Less than a year after a shocking 7-1 defeat to Germany in the World Cup semi-finals, Brazil seem to be finding their feet once more. Playing at the Stade de France in Paris, a stadium where they had famously succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in the final of a World Cup back in 1998, Dungaa s side were in no mood to fall flat, coming from a goal down to register a superb 3-1 win.
Dunga, who was the Brazila s coach back at the 2010 FIFA World Cup but was sacked before being reappointed in 2014, was beaming following the win. He hailed his teama s performance and applauded the good work put in by the players behind the scenes.
“These good results are the fruits of work and determination you put into everyday life,” the 51-year-old said at his post-match press conference.
“We must continue. Since the World Cup, I have tried to give confidence to the players and to find the right balance.”
The Selecao have now gone on a seven-game winning run since that shocking defeat to Germany.
It wasna t only the scoreline, but also the manner in which Dungaa s side came back that was impressive. France went ahead when young center-half Raphael Varane powered a header past Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson in the 21st minute.
Chelsea playmaker Oscar combined brilliantly with Roberto Firmino to bring the score level before half time, but it was in the second half that Brazil truly found their groove. Neymar, Brazila s talisman, who missed that defeat to Germany, fired the five-time world champions ahead in the second half.
The result was put beyond any doubt when Luis Gustavo scored with a header from a corner on 69 minutes.
“We played well and we tried to play with speed. We kept our shape well, we were compact,a Dunga said.
“We also had good possession. We committed preventable errors, especially on set-pieces, but once we rectified that, we found the right balance and we got the win.”
Dunga, who won the World Cup with Brazil in his playing days, hinted that there will be more than just a few changes in The Selecaoa s next game which is against Chile in London.
“For the Chile game wea ll see which players are fatigued. But we cannot change everyone. We will keep our core.”
