SPORTS
Brazil coach Dunga trotted out the same old excuses after his team's dismal goal less draw with Portugal.
Brazil coach Dunga trotted out the same old excuses after his team's dismal goal less draw with Portugal but his familiar complaints about over-cautious opponents are unlikely to cut much ice with the critics.
The famously grumpy Brazil coach effectively accused Portugal of being spoilsports for packing their defence and challenging Brazil to find a way through. Brazil failed and the result was a petulant, scrappy goalless draw.
"It was a difficult game, the Portuguese put everyone behind the halfway line," Dunga said. "Portugal's tactics were normal. Everyone takes extra precautions when they play Brazil."
Goalkeeper Julio Cesar echoed his coach's sentiments.
"It's turning into a tradition," he said. "All the teams who face Brazil shut up shop and try to exploit the counter-attack, because they know that our football culture is always to take the initiative."
Those comments had a familiar ring about them.
Dunga took almost exactly the same line when his team struggled to breakdown a stubborn North Korea defence in their opening game, which they eventually won 2-1.
Critics, however, say it's Dunga's own fault for packing his squad with midfield spoilers and refusing to take risks.
Under Dunga, Brazil themselves are much happier playing on the counter-attack and it seems a bit much for him to complain when their opponents try to do the same.
Dunga's team are extremely difficult to beat -- they have won 18 of their last 21 matches -- but depend on isolated moments of individual brilliance to win matches.
They do not attack continually and numbers in the same way as Argentina, Chile or Spain, the most adventurous teams in South Africa, and when the inspiration dries up as it did on Friday, the result can be 90 minutes of unrelenting tedium.
Although Dunga's team generally have an excellent record, some of Brazil's worst-ever performances -- including goalless home draws against Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela in the World Cup qualifiers -- have come under his watch.
Monday's second round match against Chile offers an more encouraging panorama.
Chile are a team who like to pour forward, leaving plenty of spaces for Brazil's counter-attacking game.
Brazil have met their fellow South Americans five times under Dunga's leadership, winning them all.
Brazil will also welcome back playmaker Kaka, suspended against the Portuguese, and Robinho, who was rested.
They are the only two players will real spark in the Brazil squad and Kaka's absence especially was badly felt on Friday, especially by target man Luis Fabiano, whose supply lines dried up and was only noticed when he picked up a yellow card for a late tackle.
Former World Player of the Year Kaka, who had an unhappy debut season with Real Madrid, has shown signs that he could be returning to his best and Brazil will need him to continue his revival against Chile on Monday.
Google secures Mumbai's BKC offices, renews lease with staggering monthly rent of over Rs.....
Meet man, who sold previous company for Rs 1 lakh crore, he is...
American whiskey Bourbon set to take over Indian market, here's how
Ten devotees from Chhattisgarh killed as car collides with bus enroute to Maha Kumbh
What happens after UPSC? Civil servants share about life at LBSNAA
Mukesh Ambani, sons Akash and Anant take holy dip at Mahakumbh, woman shares video; watch here
'What Akshay Kumar does is..': Ahmed Khan reveals superstar uses teleprompter for…, defends his…
Maha Kumbh fame IIT Baba aka Abhay Singh's 10th, 12th marksheet goes viral
Ameesha Patel shares 'fraudulent promise' video of Gadar 2 because Anil Sharma...: 'How will you...'
After Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi’s teammate Federico Redondo takes dig at PSG, claims...
Who is Abhinav Chandrachud? Lawyer representing YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, he is son of famous...
India's Got Latent controversy: YouTuber Apoorva Makhija kicked out from IIFA? Here's what we know
Former WWE wrestler gives BIG warning to Ranveer Allahbadia, says, 'people like him have...'
Ukraine's Zelenskyy makes BIG claim, says Donald Trump can push Putin to...
Anti-Valentine’s week: From Breakup Day to Slap Day, 7 days explained
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed on February 15? Check here
Meet Fearless Nadiya, first female Bollywood action star, she was from...
Prateik Babbar shares passionate kiss with Priya Banerjee in dreamy wedding photos
Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna’s Chhaava is a historic epic that roars to glory
'India, US stand firmly together in fight against terrorism': PM Modi
Ranveer Allahbadia hires Ex-Chief Justice of India's son as his lawyer, approaches Supreme Court
CanCentra Review 2025: Scam Or Legit Trading Platform? - Canada Facts!
PAFI Kabupaten Gunungkidul Launches Pharmacist Training Program to Elevate Healthcare Standards
Oswal Energies introduces Advanced Clean Energy Solutions at India Energy Week 2025
Top 5 Astrologers in India: Meet the experts who are shaping the future of Astrology
Don't Drown in the Decibels: A Cautionary PSA for Web3 community
BitGo's IPO Ambitions: A Bridge Between Traditional Finance and the Web3 Frontier
'Will sue': Mexico President Sheinbaum threatens legal action against Google over this reason
Urfi Javed gets engaged? Ring ceremony photos go viral, leaves fans speculating
With Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar set to exit, know who will likely succeed him
The curious case of Junaid Khan: What is unusual about Aamir Khan’s son?
Zeenat Aman reveals what she eats in a day to stay fit at 73: 'I used to feel embarrassed'
Anti-Valentine's Week 2025: Slap Day to Breakup Day, check full list
'Let's wait and watch': Baba Bageshwar addresses Ranveer Allahbadia controversy
Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt give couple goals, look perfect in black suit, red saree: Watch
TraderAI Review 2025: Scam or Legit Trading Platform? - Facts Check!
Vishal Dadlani meets with accident, postpones Pune concert: 'We regret to...'
Mallcom Breaks New Ground: Launches its D2C E-Commerce Store
SHOCKING! Man 'dead' in Mahakumbh stampede returns home on his own 'terahvi', asks family members...
Viral Video: Humpback whale swallows Kayaker, but then something shocking happened
IPL 2025 to start on THIS date, Rajat Patidar's RCB to face reigning champions KKR at Eden Gardens
World richest man Elon Musk gave THIS special gift to PM Modi, has SpaceX connection
'Frankly, I've been...': What US President Donald Trump said about Bangladesh crisis?