Dunga Ponders Next Move Ahead of Brazil Squad Announcement

To stick or twist is the big issue on Dunga's agenda ahead of his next challenge back in the Brazil hotseat. The Selecao boss is set to name his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Austria on September 23, at the CBF headquarters in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.

Up until now, the progress made under the 1994 World Cup-winning captain has been as smooth as anybody could have wished for. The new picture Dunga is painting is already beginning to take shape after just four strokes of his managerial brush.

It would hardly be an exaggeration to say there was not a whole lot of enthusiasm over his reappointment in July. But during his brief spell to date, results, and more importantly, performances, should be helping to change people's perspective on the man in charge.

A pattern is emerging and confidence is gradually being restored. Brazil always have an obligation to win, a demand raised substantially when arch-rivals Argentina are the opposition.

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A 2-0 win followed by The Neymar Show against Japan have given the country the first glimpses of sporting positivity following the shame of their World Cup exit.

So now what, with another squad announcement imminent, is the coach to do? Continue the picture currently being painted, lest their good form and progress be hindered?

Or use this vital pre-Copa America time to study as many options as possible?

Looking at the predicament, if that is a suitable word, from a purely pragmatic point of view, Dunga may do well to continue to tread this particular path. His defence is yet to conceded a goal, and goalkeeper Jefferson and centre-half Miranda have been impressive parts of the side.

Against Argentina, the Botafogo stopper made a string of excellent saves, including a penalty from Lionel Messi, to maintain Brazil's run of clean sheets, now at four and counting.

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In attack, Dunga's troops are looking fast, fluent and flexible. Six goals in their last two outings is testament to the fact that, even without a recognised No. 9, they possess players capable of finding the path to goal clearly.

A distinct playing style has not only been defined, it is being improved. Those players Dunga had entrusted with his philosophy and ideas have adapted and the results are there for all to see.

If the manager continues to work with this core group, remnants from the Luiz Felipe Scolari era as well as players he has promoted to the senior side, it would be beneficial to team cohesion and tactical familiarity in the run up to the Copa America in June.

But on the other hand, there are several knocking at the Selecao door waiting to be given a chance. The doom and gloom from that semi-final is lifting and the future for this glorious nation is not as dark as some would have you believe.

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Oscar and Neymar in particular are growing with each performance in the yellow shirt. Whilst the latter continues his rapid upward trajectory, Oscar is slowly regaining ground after a somewhat disappointing World Cup.

He is raising his game at the perfect moment, with Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho at last given the chance his match-winning form of Liverpool's oh-so-nearly title challenge last season deserved. His defence-slitting pass for Neymar's second goal against Japan was testament to the fact the two can form an exciting partnership.

Both players were fundamental in their clubs' victories at the weekend, with Coutinho getting on the scoresheet at Loftus Road and Oscar providing an assist in Chelsea's win over Crystal Palace.

But Paulo Henrique Ganso has been in fine form of late and has netted in his last two outings for Sao Paulo, including a glorious strike against Huachipato in the Copa Sul-Americana last week, should Dunga wish to disturb the well-balanced attack he has built.

Contrary to the pessimism enveloping the country in recent months, Brazil contain the pieces to build a strong side. With two final friendlies to see out a turbulent 2014, it remains to be seen whether Dunga is in the mood for one last gamble.