6 Lessons from Dunga's First 6 Games as Brazil Boss

So, Brazil can close the door on 2014 with a sigh of relief. This year may not have gone to plan for close to 200 million people, but it has not all been utter doom and gloom.

The Selecao saw an upturn in fortunes in the second half of the year, following the reintroduction of 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga to the helm of the ship.

Since July, there have been six successive wins, with a scoring rate close to 2.5 goals per game. Just one goal has been conceded and a core of players has been established prior to the Copa America in June.

Here are six lessons from Dunga's first six games in charge.

1. Change of Approach

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As it turns out, a leopard can change its spots. It is often queried whether a player can adapt to a manager's style of play. What about a manager adapting?

Dunga has done just that. Opting for a big man, little man pairing in attack at the 2010 World Cup, consisting of Robinho and Luis Fabiano, the coach has made a complete U-turn since his reappointment.

A loosely packed attacking quartet has given far more freedom and flexibility to the side's offensive threat, allowing movement and interchange between a floating four, which can be challenging for defences to track.

Furthermore, it is paying handsome dividends. Brazil have scored at least two goals in each of their last four outings.

2. Miranda Is One of the Best

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The Atletico Madrid defender was one of the surprise omissions in Luiz Felipe Scolari's World Cup squad. Under Dunga, he is close to reaching the status of "untouchable."

With former captain Thiago Silva out through injury, the 30-year-old Miranda seized his chance and has not let go since. Even once the Paris Saint-Germain star returned to full fitness, he was forced to settle for a place on the bench as club teammate David Luiz formed a steady partnership with the Atletico man.

Miranda looks set to miss his club's next four games with an injury to his left thigh that saw him leave the field early against Austria, as reported by Lancenet (link in Portuguese). Fortunately for him, Brazil's calendar is concluded, and 2015 looks like it will be a massive year for the experienced stopper.

3. Brazil's Goalkeeping Future Is Secure

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Luiz Felipe Scolari had decided on Julio Cesar as his World Cup goalkeeper long before the tournament. It was a huge risk, given the lack of regular playing time the former Internazionale keeper enjoyed prior to the FIFA competition.

Since then, Dunga has installed Jefferson as his clear No. 1. The Botafogo captain proved himself against Argentina with a string of excellent saves, helping Brazil to a 2-0 win over their biggest rivals.

However, in the last two friendlies it was the turn of Diego Alves to be given a chance between the sticks. Only forced into one real save against Turkey, the Valencia goalkeeper will expect more chances next year as he challenges Jefferson for the jersey.

With youngsters Neto and Rafael Cabral providing able back-up, the future of Brazilian goalkeeping looks secure.

4. Diego Tardelli Can Lead the Line

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There was a certain amount of scepticism when Atletico Mineiro's industrious forward Diego Tardelli was called up by Dunga. His subsequent performances, not to mention both goals in that 2-0 win over Argentina, have put paid to his critics.

Tardelli, quite literally, leads from the front, and he proves an effective foil for the more silky talents of Neymar and wide passing range of Oscar.

Floating from left to right and covering every blade of grass in between, Tardelli's constant movement makes him a nightmare to mark, freeing up space for those behind him to join the attack.

He now faces competition from the likes of Roberto Firmino, whose thunderbolt of a strike gave Brazil victory in Vienna, but Tardelli has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with for Brazil.

More Intense Training

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True to style, Dunga has maintained an intense work rate as a manager. Now his players are reaping the benefits of his methods.

Reports in several Brazilian newspapers last week revealed that the boss is working his charges hard during training sessions prior to friendlies, and it is having the desired effect.

Whether that level of intensity can withstand the rigours of an international tournament is another matter, but the results from the last six matches are there for all to see. With successive 4-0 thrashings of Japan and Turkey, respectively, Dunga's approach is so far having the desired effect.

Brazil Have Leaders

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Dunga's decision to take the captain's armband off Thiago Silva and hand it permanently to Neymar sparked furious debate last week.

But in all honesty, this Brazil side contains more leaders than just the one with the symbolic strip of material. Neymar is without doubt the focal point of the team and his four goals against Japan, followed by another brace against Turkey, have made him the leading scorer of the second Dunga era to date.

Meanwhile, Jefferson, of Botafogo, is captain at his club and is used to dealing with the authority that comes with the role. Silva may not be a first-team regular right now but is more than likely to remain involved in the Selecao setup, and his experience, especially to Neymar, will be invaluable.

This team is not a one-man show. Performing as a unit, led by strong characters, can be Brazil's 2015 blueprint for success.