Thaindian News

By Veronica Sardon
Durban, June 25 (DPA) Brazil coach Carlos Dunga said minutes after defending world champions Italy crashed out of South Africa 2010 in the first round that he wasn’t surprised by it.

“We always joke that football is full of surprises. But there are no surprises. All teams had the quality to qualify,” Dunga told a press conference Thursday in Durban.

“Football nowadays is globalised, and everyone has to be well-prepared so as not to be surprised.”

Italy crashed out in a 3-2 defeat against newcomers Slovakia and the 2006 finalists France are also already out. Brazil have also crashed out as holders in the first round, in 1966.

In that year their fate was sealed with a 3-1 defeat against Portugal - the nation they play in their final group game again Friday in Durban.

This time around Brazil are already safely into the Round of 16, but Dunga insisted: “Brazil has to play to win the match. It’s not always possible, but we have to play to win.

“It will be a very good match for us and for anyone who likes football. Brazil and Portugal are two teams who have shown in recent years their productivity and the quality of their players.”

A tactical result is not possible because the next opponent will be decided only later in the group H deciders.

Brazil could run into Euro 2008 champions Spain but Dunga, who captained Brazil to the 1994 title, did not express a preference for his men’s next rivals.

“If we are at a World Cup we have to face whatever rival we get. We think more about ourselves, and we try to do our job well,” Dunga said.

He stressed that the world of football has changed.

“We have to forget a little bit about that name thing,” Dunga said. “We have to go into the pitch and play well.”

He noted that players from around the world now play in the most competitive leagues, that coaches also go abroad to improve their skills.

“Maybe we who are from the most traditional countries have to prepare ourselves better for those situations,” Dunga admitted.