FIFA WORLD CUP Football 2010: Can Dunga’s tactics promise a sixth trophy for the Brazilians?
Dunga has been successful both as a player as well as a manager for Brazil. Having steered his nation to their fourth title in 1994, he was installed as the Brazilian coach in 2008. So far he has inspired his team to win the Copa America, the bronze in the 2008 Olympics as well as the Confederations Cup in 2009.
His style of play however, is different from that of vintage Brazil. Brazil has always been the attacking sort, tormenting opposition with their superior style of play, creative and artistic moves and deadly finishes. They have been the side going along with the famous quote “If you score one, we’ll score two”. This style of play suited them well over the years, making them the most successful football nation, winning 5 World Cup trophies. But Dunga changed the tactics, completely overriding the facts of success when he was a player and as a manager.
Dunga directed his team to a fourth World Cup trophy when he was the captain in 1994. He always liked a slow, passing and defensive form of play. He preferred the physical and packed defense over the open play Brazil usually enjoys. Brazilians supporters stopped criticizing this style of play, following Dunga’s success, both as a player and as a coach, and are happy as long as Brazil is winning.
He has disciplined his side, but has not completely taken the “Brazilian Spark” away from his team. Brazil thrashed Ivory Coast and Chile 3-1 and 3-0 respectively and have now reached the quarter finals undefeated. When they do attack, it is easy to tell that the integrity of ‘what is Brazil’ has been maintained. The number of attacks, however, may have been reduced. They have made it hard for the opposition to score, but have balanced it out by making it a walk in the park for themselves. This magnificent blend of both effective attack and solid defense has established Dunga as a better leader than Capello or Domenech, who failed to effectively use the potential of their squads.
With Julio Cesar’s amazing goal keeping skills at the back, Dunga enjoys a talented and experienced squad. Maicon, the Inter Milan right back, has been the main player in Dunga’s defensive strategy. Dunga has been able to get the best out of Maicon, who is speedy, plays like a centre back and loves scoring goals as well as making wonderful opportunities for his team mates. Maicon partners Juan and Lucio in defense.
Lucio is one who doesn’t let many pass his defensive line. Strong, athletic and with the ability to go forward, Lucio is one of the best centre backs in the World. Lucio’s height makes him ever so lethal in the air as well. In the midfield, Gilbero Silva partners Felipo Melo, with both of them working overtime as they pace up and down the field. They provide the forwards with delicious through balls as well as taking shots from afar.
Dunga may have gotten it right in terms of being so tight at the back, along with the talents of Robinho, Kaka, Fabiano, Elano or Nilmar upfront. All these forwards can score at will, owing to their inbuilt ability to disrupt any defense with their physical superiority as well as lethal finishing ability. These 5 cannot be intimidated and have perfect chemistry and synergy with each other, making them a lethal Brazilian weapon. Whenever Kaka and Robinho play for Brazil, the team tends to win more matches. This has been observed over the previous 33 matches when these two started for Brazil and they won 29 and drew four. Such is the class of these two extraordinary players.
Brazil may not be winning the way they were predicted to, but they’re still winning. Their style of play is still more exciting than the other teams left in the World Cup. Of course the fans and critics may want to see the entertaining style of play that Brazil is famous for, but Dunga has just one aim and that is to win.
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