1994 World Cup champion, icon, ex- and now current coach, Dunga, has been gazing into his crystal ball at Brazil’s future in football. Their crushing, humiliating 7-1 defeat to the Germans mere months ago plunged them into laughing stock territory all across the internet, and after Luiz Felipe Scolari’s swift exit, Dunga has been calculating a plethora of changes. His dark nature and temper towards the beautiful game has earned himself a shady reputation, but his return is looking to bring light and warmth to Brazilian fans everywhere. The man remains in contention as he is arrogant and unreliable, but people can be perceived in rather unfair ways via the media. Despite my scepticism, certainly some of his more striking amendments to the squad could bring hope for the rather redundant host nation we all witnessed.
For a team which left mountains to be desired this summer, and who were beaten all too simply following the terrible back injury bestowed upon youthful leader, Neymar, Dunga has most definitely shaken the tree. But will his ticks and crosses make an ounce of difference in upcoming matches against Colombia and Ecuador, or will the guillotine drop all too hastily for him too?
Dunga’s rigorous shuffling has morphed the recognisable yellow-clad team of henchmen into a peculiar hybrid of Neymar, David Luiz and Oscar, with a bunch of almost unfamiliar chaps. The instant trouble I have coming to terms with the new-slash-old boss’s arrangements is that he seems to lack total consistency when handpicking players; there seems a bizarre, jumble sale-like mixture of abysmal and exceptional (though I throw‘exceptional’ around scarcely and with caution).
Philippe Coutinho
The 22-year-old has been hailed the “playmaker” for Liverpool; this already hints that he could be a true firecracker for Brazil. However, despite natural dominance and samba style with the ball, Scolari’s choices were often those who did not express skill in such a way. The fact that this young gem has only a single cap to his name evidences this, whilst evoking curiosity in myself; why would any coach worth his salt not play an energetic character with ambition and potential? Nevertheless, the chimes are ringing and Coutinho has been called upon for Dunga’s new-look side. As an attacking midfielder for his English club, and the same age as golden man Neymar, Coutinho could have the right DNA to make history for his country. Finally.
Fred
I don’t know how to put this kindly… why not before?! Fred exposed a multitude of sins that Brazil has harboured for years. He was lazy, lacklustre and a loose cannon during the World Cup this summer, and it was baffling as to why he was mostly picked for the starting line-up. Scolari certainly made a gigantic error every time he called upon Fred, and his presence absolutely hindered his team rather than help. This is a spectacularly smart decision from Dunga; I wouldn’t even ask Fred to join a pub football team, let alone an International one.
Hulk
Arguably, this man does emulate his Marvel character’s namesake on several counts, but not in the effective way he would have hoped. At times, he has shown huge initiative with the ball, but usually lacks overall impact during a game. To be wholly frank, I would have placed Hulk in the same pile as Fred and eliminated his place in the squad.
Marcelo
The spritely, keen Real Madrid defender turned up to the World Cup with great expectations, it was clear to see. Mounting pressure did not aid his battle for the top spot; the first goal to grace the Brazilian scoreboard was one in the back of their own net, sadly from Marcelo. This rather doomed their successive games. Marcelo has always had energy and desire, but is often devoid of real skill. Thus, this is perhaps another fairly intelligent move from Dunga.
Dani Alves
The hair dye was a poor decision, we all recognise that, and he probably does too, but is Dunga adamant that he has to be out of the squad? His tenacity down the wing and knack for tackling the opposition should have been rewarded, though one cannot deny that his dexterity was often misplaced. He might have had some strengths for a side who were heading in a downward spiral, but his lack of major action is what probably failed to vote him into Dunga’s plans.
Dante
This choice is the strangest for me to grapple with. For Bayern Munich, Dante is flawless, vital and extraordinarily diligent. His reliable nature with the ball means that Neuer can typically stand comfortably and resolute in goal without too much hesitance that the opposing side will pierce through. Dante’s splendid record in the Bundesliga had somehow been forgotten by Scolari, and now Dunga. This must be a computing malfunction, surely? If he had been handed a chance by bushy-moustached ex-coach in the World Cup, Brazil might have looked less sloppy defensively. I feel Dante’s chances to represent internationally could have been disadvantaged by the useless David Luiz.
David Luiz
I’m certain that employing a tortoise to mow the lawn would be more effective than David Luiz. I’ve mentioned it before, and thanks to Dunga I’ll be forced to again, but he has no place in Brazil’s defensive structure. He is reckless, haphazard and ultimately should be a growing concern for any boss. His inability to remain in position is frightening; he should have been dropped.
Bernard
Small but mighty, Bernard has demonstrated pace which Brazil require when flying into the box. His capacity to understand when to break through opposing defenders is something I cannot fault; furthermore, he has great skill with the ball. His shots need refining, but this is no cause for Dunga to rule him out, and it is irritating that he has done so.
Although Dunga does not blame the dire, embarrassing World Cup for Brazil’s transgressions, instead the choices made throughout the past few years, he too has failed to select a consistent troop of footballers. Neymar, of course, is still in the team (if he had been excluded, all hope would have died), as are Oscar and Luiz Gustavo, despite terrible tournaments for both men. Thiago Silva has not been picked due to injury (The Guardian, August 2014), but let’s pray for a speedy recovery else Dunga might be dissuaded to keep his place also. In sum, a gaggle of obvious choices have made it through, but Dunga’s designs might end in quite the same disaster as Scolari’s.
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