2010 World Cup : Brazilian head coach Dunga resigned after losing to Holland
Not a lot of room for second chances if you’re the head coach of Brazil. Word is searing through the presses that Brazilian head coach Dunga will be sacked following the team’s unbelievable upset to the Dutch on Friday. When asked to confirm, BBC’s Brazilian correspondent Tim Vickery replied: “The short answer is yes. The long answer is yessssss."
Vickery added that a loss for Brazil at the World Cup is comparable to the loss of a family member, and is treated as such. Only that in the former case, someone has to take the blame, and its usually the captain of the ship.
The defeat marks the second successive FIFA World Cup in which Brazil has failed to reach the semifinals. They were knocked out in the quarterfinal round in 2006 by France.
Dunga took over coaching duties in 2006, replacing Carlos Alberto Parreira even though he had no previous coaching experience. His first match ended in a draw, but was succeeded by various victories, two Copa America titles, and the2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Championship, which was won in South Africa after the Brazilian team rallied back from a 2-0 deficit. All of which has led many, including Mario Zagello, to consider Dunga an estimable and competent coach.
Against the Netherlands the Samba Kings failed to capitalize on a number of chances in first half, and were completely stupefied in the second after Melo was sent off with a red card. The match recalled the problems that Brazilian players experienced earlier in the tournament against Portugal: smothered in the midfield, and subject to hard, tough football, the Brazilian were unable to ground themselves and instead found only frustration.
Melo scored a beautiful goal at the ten minute mark that suggested the Brazilians would defeat the Dutch routinely as expected.
Brazil suffered a supreme loss in Elano, the midfielder who was unable to play due to an injury sustained in a previous match against Ivory Coast. His loss meant fundamental changes for Dunga, who was forced to play Gilberto Silva instead.
"It just slipped through from my bald head and it was a great feeling," Sneijder said, referring to his goal of the match, a header in the 68th minute that put Holland ahead for good. "It was an amazing game. I think we showed the whole world how we can play. Finally we won, we beat Brazil."
The final minutes of the match showcased a Brazilian team scrambling on field to get an equalizer, providing an image of the team that was as uncomfortable to see in the stadium as it was to watch on TV.
The Netherlands remain undefeated after five World Cup matches, extending their team-record unbeaten streak to 24 games. That stretches all the way back to September of 2008.
Coach Dunga stated previously that even if his team won the World Cup, he would resign. "Nothing will change my mind,” he said on Blog do Cosme Rimoli. “Not even winning the World Cup. My commitment to the Brazilian football federation ends after the 2010 World Cup. I know that the next World Cup will take place in Brazil, but there is nothing in the world that will make me change my mind. It is an honour to be in the most coveted position in world football. Leading the Brazilian national team is a real privilege.”
But burdens finally ultimately asserted themselves, as he added: "However, it is one of the most demanding positions there is for a person. The pressure is enormous and not just for you. Your family and beloved ones have to endure a lot as well. Four years in charge are more than enough for me.”
Brazilian head coach Dunga has already stepped down after losing to Holland
Tags: