Peace Dunga
Dunga has been sacked following Brazil's failure to reach the knockout round of the Copa America Centenario. Dunga's record as Brazil's manager, from 2006-2010 and again from 2014-2016, is impressive, but to be gaffer of a team like Brazil, so steeped in soccer lore and legend, means you have to deliver trophies. Dunga soiled a perfect opportunity to quell his doubters and restore Brazil's winning tradition with his baffling squad selection for the Copa. Saving Neymar for the Olympics later this summer is a bit unnecessary, but I guess I understand it. However, even without Neymar's services I honestly believe I could have done a better job managing Brazil and selecting my roster than Dunga. Here is a list of omissions from Dunga's 2016 Copa squad:
Alex Sandro - DF - Juventus
Gabriel Paulista - DF - Arsenal
Danilo - DF - Real Madrid
David Luiz - DF - PSG
Marcelo - DF - Real Madrid
Luiz Gustavo - MF - Wolfsburg
Rafinha - MF - Barcelona
Douglas Costa - MF - Bayern Munich
Oscar - MF - Chelsea
Fernandinho - MF - Manchester City
Alex Teixeira - MF - Somewhere in China
Ramires - MF - Somewhere in China
Roberto Firmino - FW - Liverpool
This list doesn't even include Alexandre Pato and Luiz Adriano, 2 attacking options who haven't been included in Brazil's roster for some time. Hell, even Ronaldinho is still good enough to start on this team (Ronaldinho made a habit of nutmegging Dunga during their playing days so his omission makes sense). For some reason Dunga went with a domestic league heavy roster. It's shocking that he tried to resurrect Ganso from the dead rather than selecting any of his other CAM options. It's embarrassing how much world class depth Brazil has at central midfield yet Dunga chose GANSO. Bonkers. Taking Gil, Rodrigo Caio, Douglas Santos, Ganso, 31 year old Elias, Walace, Renato Augusto, and 32 year old Jonas over ANY of the players listed above leads me to believe that Dunga threw the games. The only logical explanation for Dunga's squad selection is that he bet the mortgage on an early exit. So happy trails Dunga, I hope you squared your debts.
