Kaka: Dunga can rescue Brazil's pride

Kaka optimistic about Dunga restoring Brazil’s pride

Beijing, Oct 11 (IANS): Dunga's history of success with Brazil national football team makes him the ideal man to restore the country's battered pride, according to former Real Madrid star Kaka.

Recalled to the national team after a 19-month absence, Kaka said the national squad had already regained a positive mentality since Dunga's appointment as coach in July, reports Xinhua.

"Pride comes and goes very fast," Kaka said during a press conference before Brazil's friendly against Argentina here Saturday.

"If you play well, it comes back very fast. Dunga is a guy who manages to rescue it, as he did in 2010."

Dunga, Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning captain, first took charge of the Selecao in 2006.

He led the team to victory at the 2007 Copa America and 2009 Confederations Cup before being sacked after the team's 2010 World Cup quarterfinal loss to the Netherlands.

Kaka suggested Dunga was made an unfair scapegoat for the result.

"He had great numbers and results up to that game with the Netherlands," the Sao Paulo midfielder said.

Brazil's clash against Argentina will be followed by a friendly against Japan in Singapore three days later.

Dunga replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari as Selecao coach after the team failed to make it to this year's World Cup final as hosts and pre-tournament favourites.

Brazil have won their first two matches since the former midfielder's return, both 1-0 victories over Colombia and Ecuador last month.