Is Dunga the Answer?

After ending the World Cup it was hosting by conceding 10 goals in their last two games, Brazil was left scrambling for answers. Luiz “Felipão” Scolari had promised another title for Brazil, this time in their own country. After the Maracanazo in 1950, it seemed like this would be a chance for redemption. Putting another star on the already very decorated crest Brazilians display with pride would have been all the more satisfying if it came at home. It took just 30 minutes against Germany to turn Brazil’s World Cup into a tragedy much worse than the one they had suffered in 1950.

It’s not like there weren't any warning signs either. Brazil relied on two set-piece goals to advance against Colombia following a narrow escape on penalties out of the round of 16 against Chile. Even on the play Brazil conceded a penalty to Colombia there were glaring issues with their organization. As the play developed, you could see there was no shape, no connectivity between the midfield and defense, midfielders walking back on defense, and Marcelo dove into a challenge and got beat. This effectively created a 3 vs. 2 in favor of Colombia and put Carlos Bacca in on goal against Julio Cesar who had no choice but to foul (watch the play develop in the highlights here). This scene looks eerily similar to that of Germany’s 5^th goal in their onslaught.

Brazil vs. Colombia

Brazil vs. Germany

For comparison look at Costa Rica’s shape against the Dutch. Costa Rica was one of the best defensive teams in the tournament and only conceded two goals in their five games. The back forms a very structured line, and the midfield occupies the space in front of that line. They have numbers around the ball and there was nowhere to go but backwards for the Dutch. This is what good organization on defense looks like. That is how a team like Costa Rica could win a group featuring Italy, England, and Uruguay.

Costa Rica vs. Netherlands

Any good coach would have made adjustments for the next game after watching the penalty in the Brazil vs. Colombia game develop; especially considering that Thiago Silva wouldn’t be available after getting one of the stupidest yellow cards ever. Felipão did nothing. What followed was utter humiliation and left the CBF with a predicament, who would be his successor to bring Brazil back from the depths?

Just over a week later, we have learned that Dunga is the next head coach of the selecão. Is the former captain of the 1994 World Cup Champions the man to breathe life back into a side that exited this year’s tournament in a state of complete decay? The answer to this question obviously isn’t simple. I believe that he is a decent starting point. Let’s not forget, this is the guy who had 42 wins and 12 draws in his 59 games during his previous tenure as manager of Brazil. At the current state of the national team, I believe that he is a safe choice. Using his regimented approach, he will bring Brazil back to the modern age where you do need a level of structure to win. However, if he proved anything in his first stint, it’s that the Jogo Bonito is not his thing. Choosing not to name Neymar or Ronaldinho to the squad in South Africa he made his intentions very clear. Let’s face it though, after how they departed the World Cup this time around, I will gladly take winning without flair… For the short-term that is. Brazilians have too much pride in the joy and creativity they bring to the game. In order to bring back the Jogo Bonito that embodies the Brazilian spirit, Dunga must be removed after laying a basic foundation.


Be sure to check out our previous post here.