Brazil reacts with praise and scorn to Dunga return

Brazil's media and past players reacted with a mix of praise and scorn to the appointment of Dunga as national soccer coach for a second time.

The 1994 World Cup-winning captain Tuesday replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari, who resigned last week following Brazil's failure to reach the World Cup final as hosts and pre-tournament favourites, reports Xinhua.

Dunga's appointment comes four years after he was sacked from the same position after Brazil's quarterfinal loss to the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup.

Daily Folha de S. Paulo said Dunga's focus on discipline and methodical planning allowed him to mould a "powerful team bereft of stars" during his first spell in charge from 2006 to 2010.

His return reflected "a need for greater commitment" to the national shirt, the newspaper added.

Former forward Pepe, a member of Brazil's 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams, described Dunga as "a guy with attitude" and somebody "who doesn't hide behind a wall".

"He is going to select players that are prepared to work," the 79-year-old added.

Jairzinho, who played in Brazil's 1970 World Cup triumph, said Dunga's previous spell as Selecao coach would hold the team in good stead.

"He has experience and showed everybody what he is capable of," he said. "He is very well qualified for the role."

Among the harshest critics was the Rio de Janeiro-based Globo newspaper, which bemoaned the return of "a man who has no desire to make football beautiful".

Another trenchant critic was Estado de S.Paulo columnist Robson Morelli, who wrote: "Dunga is the biggest error in the history of the Brazilian football confederation."

"The coach is the same as he has always been. He will close the team and use players that he trusts and that aren't always the best to prepare his battles. The CBF is going to have a lot to answer for one day. We all know Dunga."

Waldir Peres, Brazil's goalkeeper during the 1982 World Cup, also disapproved of the decision.

The former Sao Paulo stopper said he would have preferred ex-Corinthians coach Tite or Sao Paulo manager Muricy Ramalho in the role.

"I don't think he is the right person," Peres said.

"Brazil needed a new coach who has been able to get results at club level. I don't have high hopes."

Former defender Junior, who played in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, said the appointment could have been influenced by off-field motives.

"He is somebody who isn't afraid of a confrontation," Junior said.

"He will leave the board of directors less exposed in this transitional period. I would have liked to see somebody new in the job, but it's not enough to want."