What We're Reading
Brazil Reappoints Dunga as Head Coach
- AFP, Tuesday, July 22, 2014 2:11 PM
The Brazilian soccer association (CBF) on Tuesday appointed Dunga as coach of the Brazilian national team, replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose contract was not renewed after the World Cup hosts’ 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany. Dunga, 50, is retaking the reigns for a second time after leading the Selecao to the quarterfinals of the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
"I am immensely happy - thank you for your confidence in me," the former Fiorentina and Stuttgart midfielder said at his press unveiling. "The fans are very down right now but they are right behind the team. I am not here to sell a dream, we must get down to work."
CBF President Jose Maria Marin explained the decision: "He was world champion, captain of a world champion side," Marin said of the 1994 World Cup winner. "He has what it takes to lead the Brazil team. The numbers show he absolutely has the ability to take charge."
Dunga was fired following Brazil’s 2-1 quarterfinal loss to the Netherlands in 2010, but he had previously led the team to the 2007 Copa America title as well as the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Brazil came back from a two-goal deficit to defeat the USA, 3-2, in the final.
No surprise here. Dunga gave Brazil their last sporting successes, something his successors just could not muster - despite being given a tournament of very relative ease on one's home soil. (FIFA always gives the hosts the easiest of paths to at least the quarterfinals -- then a team finally has to do the rest.) Hopefully Carlos Dunga will now involve Jorginho again as his co coach, probably the smartest guy in the room when it comes to doing things the right way in the right manner. (Hear that MLS? If Jorginho is ever free, lure him here. Are you listening?)