Independence Day for Dunga

By: Bruno Romani | September 8th, 2008

A few things about the victory of Brazil over Chile must be said:

-Today, Chile and Bolivia (our next rival) are the weakest sides in the South American zone. So, take it easy on the excitement.

-Luis Fabiano loves Dunga. When people wanted him out back in November, the Sevilla striker scored twice against Uruguay. This Sunday, Dunga was a fart away from unemployment, but Luis Fabiano pulled another 2 goals and the pass for the goal scored by Robinho.

-When Kléber was the best Brazilian left-back, Dunga insisted with Gilberto. Now that Kléber is in the worst moment of his career, he is in the starting line-up. Where’s Marcelo?

-Ronaldinho, the national team is not some sort of rehab or spa. Go get recovered, then you return.

-Robinho is lucky against Chile. But the dude still needs to learn how to shoot.

-Diego is bench material. Can you believe this was one of his best matches for the national team?

-If what it takes for Brazilian players to put some passion in their game is to say that Argentine players are an example to be followed, then “Messi is God”.

-Valdívia left his heart in Brazil. Chile was going to have 45 minutes in an 11 against 10 situation. But the ex-Palmeiras midfielder managed to disappear with the extra man advantage for his team by being eject in an innocent way.

-Finally Lula made reasonable statements with clear results. Too bad it wasn’t where he is supposed to do that.

Having said all of this, September 7th is the Brazilian Independence Day, but Dunga is the one who has a lot to celebrate his personal independence. His squad played a good match, shutting up the press, the fans, CBF and even the president. The newspaper “Estado de São Paulo” reports that the coach used the president a lot to motivate his players. According to the paper, even the words “son of a bitch” were part of the meeting between players and coach before the match. And of course, after the victory, Dunga said to the press that the president now must be happy. In any case, with or without the presidential statement, this match had the right configuration for the squad headed by Dunga. The team was going to defend (as it always does when it plays away) and use counter attacks to try the victory. The Chileans, underestimating Brazil, had an offensive formation, leaving a lot of space. That’s all we needed. Relying on a good performance of Luis Fabiano, beating the locals was less difficult than expected. With the almost certain victory on Wednesday, we will have to stand the grumpy coach at least until the end of the year.