Seven out of nine for Dunga

Written by Joe Kent , 29.03 00h47

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A single goal from Vagner Lover was enough to secure victory for Brazil against a ten-man Ghana on Tuesday night in Stockholm.

Scoring opportunities were few and far between for Brazil but a Ronaldinho header in the 17th minute found its way first to Kaká and then onto the unmarked Vagner-Love at the back post who hit home his second goal for the Selecão under Dunga, and his sixth in total.

Despite Ghana being without Michael Essien Julio Cesar was kept busy throughout the game most notably when he was forced to tip over a thirty-meter free kick from Sulley Muntari.

Kaká came close to making it two-nil in the 65th minute but wasted an easy chance punting it wide.

The game was put beyond Ghana’s reach when Haminu Dramani picked up his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Daniel Alves and dismissed in the 77th minute.

Ronaldinho blamed Brazil’s lacklustre performance on tiredness though added, “"I'm happy with the victory, despite the fact that we didn't score too many goals."

Meanwhile Dunga made it clear his focus will now be on deciding the squad he will take to Venezuela in June for the Copa America. He told Globo TV, “We have given chances to most of the players. Now its time to meet and make decisions.”

Since taking charge Dunga has led Brazil to victory against Argentina, Kuwait, Wales, Ecuador, Switzerland, Chile and Ghana; the Selecão have also lost once and drawn once under his command, to Portugal and Norway respectively.

No further games have been scheduled but two Europeans fixtures are expected before the Copa begins. Brazilian broadsheet Folha de São Paulo is reporting that one of those games is likely to be against England in the new Wembley and the other in Turkey.

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