Brazil manager Dunga was under immense pressure before the 2016 Copa America tournament began.
That pressure only will intensify after his team shockingly was eliminated from the competition in the group stage after losing 1-0 to Peru on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium.
Dunga was asked about being fired or resigning after the loss, and he simply replied (via a translator), “I only fear death. The rest I’m OK.”
Dunga is not popular among Brazil fans. Instead of playing with the normal flair and highlight-reel skill we typically associate with the South American nation, his tactics have produced a style that’s too conservative and defensive.
The results have been equally disappointing.
- 2008 Summer Olympics: bronze medal
- 2010 World Cup: quarterfinals exit
- 2015 Copa America: quarterfinal exit
- 2018 World Cup qualifying: currently sixth, wouldn’t qualify if it ended today
Brazil scored seven goals in three matches in this year’s Copa America group stage. On the surface, that’s not horrible, but every goal came against Haiti — by far the worst team in Group B. Brazil didn’t find the back of the net once against Ecuador and Peru.
Not only has Brazil failed to win or give consistently impressive performances in major tournaments under Dunga, they also aren’t a top-five team in the world in regards to talent and development. Squad selection has been a problem as well.
Left back Marcelo and center back Thiago Silva, two of the best players in the world at their respective positions, didn’t even make the Copa America team. Marcelo won the UEFA Champions League as a member of Real Madrid’s starting XI last month.
Even someone like David Luiz, who has issues defensively but brings plenty of attacking qualities as a center back or defensive midfielder, was omitted from the Copa America side. And where were Premier League midfielders Fernandinho (Manchester City) and Oscar (Chelsea)?
Dunga noted that Brazil is “in a period of transition and we have to be patient.”
We’ll see if the CBF (Brazil’s football association) shows him any patience. It would be best for the future of the national team if it didn’t. The CBF fired Dunga in 2010, and it’s time to do it again.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
