Bruising start for Dunga's Brazil

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August 18, 2006 11:38 IST

During his playing days, Brazil's coach Dunga was famous for dishing out meaty tackles to the opposition but his team were on the receiving end as they drew 1-1 away to Norway in his first match in charge.

Norway gave away 31 free kicks during the match and it was almost impossible for Brazil's new-look team to get into their stride against such systematic fouling.

"If it had been a World Cup match, they would have had at least three players sent off," said Dunga.

Dunga was also unimpressed by Norway's unbeaten record in four matches against Brazil, pointing out that three of the games were friendlies in Oslo and the other was in France during the 1998 World Cup.

"Would I accept a rematch in Rio de Janeiro? Of course, no problem at all" he said. "After all, Brazil are five-times world champions and took part at the last World Cup."

A second-half goal by debutant midfielder Daniel Carvalho gave Brazil a deserved draw in Oslo, wiping out Morten Gamst Pederson's opener which was scored with the help of a blunder by goalkeeper Gomes, also making his first appearance.

Dunga's first job is to restore some pride to the Brazilian team after what was widely regarded as a lethargic World Cup display by overweight players who lacked passion and fighting spirit.

He said he liked what he saw after deciding to leave out big names such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano and Kaka.

Dunga has included Ronaldinho and Kaka for their next match, against Argentina in London on Sept. 3, but Ronaldo and Adriano may have to shed some kilos before they get another chance.

"I think Brazil gave what the supporters expect, which is love for the shirt and determination, as well as our technique," he said.

"Determination and fighting-spirit are not enough," he added.

"I like to see good football, with dribbling and improvisation, which is something we began to do in the second half and will continue doing.

Dunga even praised his substitutes for their attitude.

"It's very important that the players on the bench have the national team spirit," he said.

"I told the players that we must always remember our childhoods when we wanted to be footballers and that today, we're here, in the national team, at the top."

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