Dunga indicated he was likely leave his post after Brazil’s hopes of a sixth World Cup triumph were ended by the Netherlands in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

“Ending the cycle of work that began in August 2006, and ended with the elimination of Brazil from the World Cup in South Africa, the CBF announces that the technical committee of the national team has been released,” the statement on the CBF’s official website read. “The new technical committee will be announced later this month.”

Brazil let slip a 1-0 half-time lead to suffer a shock 2-1 loss to the Dutch. They had started the tournament well, wins over Korea DPR and Côte d’Ivoire and a draw with Portugal seeing them progress from the ‘Group of Death’ in first place.

They swept Chile aside 3-0 in the last 16 and looked to be cruising when they took a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands through Robinho. They missed several chances to extend their lead before a defensive mistake gifted Bert van Marwijk’s men an equaliser and Wesley Sneijder headed a winner.

Dunga, 46, took up the post following A Seleção’s elimination from the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, signing a four-year deal.

After the defeat on Friday he said: “I have been contracted for four years and we knew this right from the start. During the last four years, I have been very happy to coach this Brazil team and if you were to look at our players’ faces now, you would probably understand how they feel.”

Leonardo has been linked with the job after leaving AC Milan at the end of last season.

The South Americans looked to have one foot in the semi-finals when Robinho fired them into an early lead over the Dutch in a powerful first-half display in Port Elizabeth yesterday. However, their challenge unravelled spectacularly after the break when midfielder Felipe Melo scored an own goal and was then sent off to pave the way for Wesley Sneijder to book an early flight home for the Brazilians.

Dunga’s contract is due to expire after the FIFA World Cup and while neither he nor the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have confirmed his exit, the writing appears to be on the wall for him. The coach admitted the responsibility for what will be perceived as failure for the five-times winners is collective, but that he must accept the lion’s share as the figurehead.

Dunga said: “Without a shadow of a doubt. I am the coach of the Brazil team and all the decisions I took were taken with the Brazil national team in mind. We are all responsible, but as coach, I have the greatest responsibility, obviously.

“Felipe Melo was sent off – it’s not the first time that has happened in a World Cup game and at the end of the day, we are all responsible for this situation. I am very proud to coach these players given the dignified manner in which they have always played for the Brazilian national team.”

Dunga received a vote of thanks from goalkeeper Julio Cesar during a sombre dinner at the team hotel in Port Elizabeth last night, and the Brazil party was due to fly to Johannesburg today to connect with an evening flight back to Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil arrived in South Africa as favourites, along with Spain, to leave with the Trophy, and although their progress to the quarter-finals was rarely spectacular, it was relatively comfortable.

For 45 minutes yesterday, it looked as though they might be ready to cut loose with front three Robinho, Kaka and Luis Fabiano tormenting the Dutch rearguard, who were repeatedly left chasing shadows. Robinho saw an eighth-minute strike ruled out for offside against Dani Alves during the build-up, but there was nothing wrong with his opening goal two minutes later after Melo skewered a pass through the heart of the Netherlands defence to set him up.

Had it not been for a superb one-handed save from Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg to deny Kaka 14 minutes before the break, it could have been Bert van Marwijk’s men, rather than the Brazilians, boarding a plane today. But from the moment Melo glanced Sneijder’s cross over his own goalkeeper, the Dutch were revitalised, and they got their reward with 22 minutes remaining when Dirk Kuyt flicked on Arjen Robben’s corner and Sneijder, for the first time in his career, headed the ball into the net.

Dunga said: “We weren’t able to maintain the same level of concentration in the second half as we had in the first half. We know a World Cup match is about 90 minutes and it is the detailed passages of play that are important. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to achieve our main objective, which was to be world champions.

“Our players looked at this World Cup as a great opportunity to do well, but what happens is that there’s a certain degree of nervousness and things don’t always go the way you expect.”

Brazil cruised into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Chile at Soccer City on Monday and now face the Dutch in Port Elizabeth on Friday. The Netherlands, two-time beaten finalists in 1974 and 1978, stretched their longest-ever unbeaten streak to 23 games with a 2-1 Round-of-16 victory over Slovakia in Durban on Monday.

The Brazilians, aiming for a record sixth world title, have beaten the Dutch twice in their two previous FIFA World Cup encounters. The Oranje fell 4-2 on penalties after drawing their 1998 semi-final 1-1 in France and lost 3-2 in the quarter-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States where Dunga went on to lift the trophy as captain.

There are huge expectations weighing on Brazil to win the world crown at Soccer City on 11 July, but Dunga is confident his team, unbeaten in four matches here, is coming along nicely ahead of the business end of the tournament. “Given the quality of the team, there is always the expectation, but you don’t win the World Cup by being favourites alone,” he said. “As we go along, the confidence is growing and we are hoping to reach the final.”

The Dutch, traditionally technically efficient, have been likened to a South American team by Dunga. “We have already said we are trying to play the open football which everyone wants to see. The players did well and we got forward a lot against Chile,” he said.

“We know the Netherlands are a very difficult team to beat and they are very able technically, they play their football like South Americans. Even though Brazil has beaten the Dutch twice before, every World Cup provides its own experience. Holland have a good tradition at the World Cup, we have to be very careful with the Dutch players, they are very technically able and we have to be able to deal with that.”

But Dunga, who has been under intense pressure and unrelenting scrutiny as coach from a sceptical media and public over his pragmatic tactics, is confident the system he has in place will bring results. “The quality of our players allows me to be calm with what has been built up over the last three years, all I have to do is communicate with them in the game,” he said. “The Brazilian team are a mature outfit and they carry out exactly what I say.

“We have a group of players who have a great range of skills and we allow them to perform at their peak. I have said the players have the liberty to play, I try to give them advice to guide them so when we know the midfield is closed we attack down the flanks. We are fortunate to have players who can interchange quickly. When the Chileans packed the midfield, Kaka moved more down the flanks as did Robinho.”

Robinho, Budweiser Man of the Match with his first goal of the tournament and a key part in the lead up to striker Luis Fabiano’s effort, believes A Selecao are on the right track. “Now we’ve got another decisive match ahead. There’s always room for improvement, but I think we’re on the right track and we’re achieving our objectives,” he said.

Luis Fabiano, who scored his third goal of the tournament, was delighted with Brazil’s performance against Chile. “I think that A Selecao made a real breakthrough. We created several moves and were able to launch our counter-attacks,” he said. “We’ve come through another difficult game and we’re getting there, step by step. We’ve picked up a very important victory, which is going to really boost our confidence.”

With the latest winning sequence dating back nearly 10 years, Dunga believes there is plenty of motivation for their opponents to try to change the record. “I think that the motivation of any sportsman is to actually try to breach a pattern,” he said. “We cannot spend our time comparing ourselves with our opponents. We have to try and improve as much as possible and that is exactly what Chile will do.”

The Brazil boss is not expecting any motivation issues for his players. He continued: “My players always know that it’s the next game that is the most important one. For now our next game is going to be against Chile, so we will prepare as we do against any other team. In the knockout stages it’s all or nothing. Every game can be counted as a championship game.

“Chile has been improving a lot with coach (Marcelo) Bielsa. Since he’s taken over, it’s a competitive team. It’s a team that really fights until the very end and is able to get the best out of its players. So they are a difficult opponent and what’s happened in the past is finished.”

Dunga also felt that five teams from South America in the last 16 showed that football on the continent was in a healthy state. He added: “There are five South American teams playing in the round of 16. Uruguay are already in the quarter-finals which leads us to believe that South American football is extremely competitive and has great players.”

Opposite number Bielsa felt there was no point for his side to sit back at Ellis Park, saying they would rather go out attacking against a team they have recently struggled against. “Our match tomorrow is an all or nothing match and we will do our very best to ensure the game is played in a manner that is convenient for us,” he said. “We hope we can win. I think the psychological aspect is always very important in a competition. It’s more of a factor of motivation for us in my point of view. We have the chance to reverse a historical negative trend for Chile.”

Asked whether he was worried about the threat posed by Kaka, he added: “Of course, we have to be extremely careful with him. All the players in Brazil are very good and Kaka is an emblem for them. So no team playing against Brazil can ignore him, but I stress, Kaka has extremely talented team-mates playing with him.”

The Inter Milan goalkeeper picked up a lumbar strain during last Wednesday’s warm-up triumph over Zimbabwe in Harare.

He missed yesterday’s friendly against Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam in order to continue treatment for his injury, but is set to return on Monday.

“Julio Cesar will recover for our first game,” said Dunga. “He is undergoing treatment and he is expected to train with the team this week.”

Brazil line up alongside Portugal and Côte d’Ivoire in Group G.

Wolfsburg striker Grafite is the surprise inclusion at the expense of Flamengo’s Adriano, while Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is one of the three goalkeepers named.

Dunga explained Adriano’s failure to make the squad was a rational, rather than emotional decision after the former Inter Milan forward was granted numerous chances to impress and failed to do so. “Adriano was given several opportunities,” said Dunga, who lifted the World Cup trophy as captain in 1994 and will now bid for the Selecao’s sixth world crown.

“There was a moment when we made a decision about the group,” he went on. “The group always welcomed Adriano, but there is a moment when reason talks louder than the heart.”

The 30-year-old Ronaldinho, who was the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, has been in good form for AC Milan this season but has missed out on Dunga’s squad for the finals in 2010, denying him the chance to add a second world title  to the one he won in 2002. One of his team-mates in 2002, former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson, has made it into the squad after rediscovering his best form back in Brazil with Flamengo.

The coach also opted to leave out Santos duo Paulo Henrique and Neymar. Dunga revealed the duo failed to impress enough while on international duty. “I have to test the players when they are in the national team,” he said. I follow their form in their clubs, but why didn’t you (the media) want them in the squad in December or January? These players are enormously talented, but I cannot prepare a national team for 2014 if I have to win today.”

AC Milan’s Alexandre Pato has also failed to win selection after a less-than-impressive season in Italy. Inter Milan trio Julio Cesar, Maicon and Lucio will be three of the most important players in the squad after helping the Nerazzurri clinch a berth in the UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Brazil have been drawn in Group G alongside Korea DPR, the Ivorians and Portugal and Dunga called for the fans to back the team, regardless of their thoughts on him as coach. “I beg the Brazilian fan that they support us,” he said. “If they don’t like me or any other thing, that’s fine, but I want him to support us, to be a patriot.”

Squad: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham); Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon); Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma); Robinho (Santos/Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg).

*Please note that squad lists only become official after they have been submitted to and announced by FIFA.

source : www.fifa.com

Brazil coach Dunga insists the fitness of his players is his greatest concern ahead of tonight’s friendly against Republic of Ireland at the Emirates Stadium.

The five-time world champions are putting the final touches to their preparations before the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and Dunga has revealed he will make a host of changes during the match to try to ensure his squad do not pick up injuries.

He said: “The thing that is the most important for us is bringing the players back to the clubs without injury. Some played on Sunday, some 10 hours ago. The players might be tired and we need to ensure we don’t get injured. For the rest, it’s normal – we’ll make some substitutions so that as many as possible can play. We don’t want players injured for the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva insists England’s FIFA World Cup challenge will not be weakened following their recent controversies and problems. Fabio Capello stripped John Terry of the captaincy following allegations involving the ex-girlfriend of Wayne Bridge, who has made himself unavailable for international football – and his key player Ashley Cole is out with a serious ankle injury.

However, former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto said: “I think that is a concern but we cannot, as a possible opponent of England, focus on that and think that this kind of thing can disturb them. England is a very strong squad, a very strong team. We know that. Some of the England players are in very good form. They can do a lot in South Africa. It will be a tough tournament for everyone who wants to win. We will fight for it.”

Gilberto feels that Wayne Rooney’s form means England will be among the contenders in South Africa this summer. “Of course, we look at Rooney very closely, especially if we have to face England,” said Gilberto, who could face England in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Comparing Rooney to the likes of Kaka, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he added: “You can say he is at the same level as them. He is doing very well. Year by year, he becomes better and better by the experience that he is getting over the years and I am sure he can do a lot for England this summer.

source :www.fifa.com

Ronaldinho

The match, which will take place in London on 2 March, will be the five-time world champions’ last outing before they travel to the tournament, and the 29-year-old playmaker’s omission suggests coach Dunga has been unmoved by his recent return to form with AC Milan.

“You (the press) always want big-name players. But for us there is no such thing as a big name or a small name,” said Dunga. “We can’t create problems for ourselves.”

“Every player has a chance,” said the USA 1994-winning captain. “We look at the best options for the squad. This time he (Ronaldinho) didn’t make it.”

Robinho, who joined former club Santos on a six-month loan deal from Manchester City last month, was included in the squad, while there was a recall for Cruzeiro’s Gilberto.

Brazil were drawn alongside Portugal, Côte d’Ivoire and Korea DPR in Group G at South Africa 2010. They will begin their campaign against the North Koreans in Johannesburg on 15 June.

Brazil squad
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Juan (Roma), Lucio (Inter Milan), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Lucas (Liverpool), Kaka (Real Madrid), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Adriano (Flamengo), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)