Dunga's first taste of defeat

Written by Joe Kent , 08.02.2007

Dunga's rein of invincibility ended when Brazil took on Portugal at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Sambafoot was there to seek the Selecão's reaction.

[b[On Tuesday night at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium Brazil suffered their first defeat since Dunga took charge. They were beaten 2–0 by Luis Felipão Scolari’s Portugal.

Sambafoot sought the squad’s reactions; Dunga, Edmilson, Felipão and Lucio all shared their thoughts.

While Brazil dominated the first half the team failed to adapt to a steady string of substitutions allowing Portugal to take the upper hand. Early chances for Macion and Sobis were eclipsed in the 77th minute when a sloppy goal kick by Helton found its way to Queresma who crossed for Simão to score

Brazil failed to regain either their composure or concentration and a Cavalho shot from just inside the box made in 2-0 in the 89th minute.

According to Dunga a lack of attention was to blame for the result. He praised the team’s first half-performance and their ability to counter attack but acknowledged that they needed to move around more and keep the ball at their feet.

Felipão praised the performance of both teams. “Brazil had more opportunities but Portugal made more of their chances.”

He explained that victory against Brazil will prove a great boost for his confidence.

Lucio, who captained the squad and came close to making it 1-0 with a snap shot from just a few yards out admitted they had made mistakes.

“We need to analyse what didn’t work well and to improve for the next game. Unfortunately the team retreated a little . . . There are lots of new players arriving so we all know the team is still finding its form.”

Despite the result Barcelona’s Edmilson appeared upbeat as he left the ground. “We are growing -this is new work for us; we have already improved and we will get better in the coming games.”

He was quick to point out that the new squad has barely had time to train together while Portugal fielded an established team. His mind is now on the coming Copa America and World Cup qualifiers.

He told Samabafoot he was happy with his performance. And was it a fair result? – “When one team wins it is always just but I don’t think Portugal dominated and we are not downcast.”

Edmilson picked up an early yellow card for an unnecessary challenge on Ronaldo. He insisted that it was not an act of aggression but added, “sometimes you need to show you aren’t intimidated.”

Ronaldo shrugged off the “hard challenge” explaining that such things were “part of the game” and “normal”. With his trademark smile he refuted the idea that sometimes his step-overs and other displays of skill may wind up opponents.

As for whether Brazil lost the game or Portugal won it the United star was clear, “Portugal won of course! What do you want me to say? 2-0 is a good result and I think, no I’m sure that it was a fair result.”

While the crowd’s incessant booing of the Portuguese winger may have been expected their reaction to Brazil was more telling. As the Selecão took to the pitch they were cheered like champions but as the game drew to a close they were booed a jeered.

The game brought an end to Dunga’s invincibility - many were quick to point out that is was just a friendly and the result insignificant but the way the team reacts to this first loss will clearly have far reaching implications.

Brazil are expected to play two further frriendlies in March but no details have yet been made public.

Match Report