5 Lessons Learned for Brazil from the Copa America

As Chile lifted their first ever Copa America title on Saturday night, Brazil were left to rue another chance gone begging. But now a sense of fear and panic is beginning to settle in around the Selecao.

In a tournament with a knockout format, it is not always guaranteed that the best team will win. But Brazil's performances, and their feeble exit on penalties against Paraguay, suggested more than a mere lull or a bad stroke of luck.

Coupled with the 7-1 World Cup drubbing from Germany, which is closing in on its first anniversary, dark days look to be ahead for Dunga and his players. But what lessons can he take from this Copa America in a bid to steady the ship?

Brazil Must Find a Way Without Neymar

Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press

Let's start with the most obvious. Already witnessed at the World Cup, Brazil were forced to relive history when Neymar was handed a four-match ban following a red card at the end of the group game against Colombia.

The side capitulated. Dunga has proved himself adept at managing without his biggest stars; he won the 2007 Copa America, his first title as Brazil boss, without key playmakers Ronaldinho Gaucho and Kaka.

So far, the side have been felt desperately wanting when stripped of their most talented player. Thriving without the unhealthy reliance on their No. 10 must be a priority for Dunga as the World Cup qualifiers approach.

There Is a Lack of Public Support

Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press

If the Brazilian press were taken at their word, the side would never have been out of crisis aside from the years they won the World Cup. But now, the criticism is coming from players who have pulled on the famous yellow shirt.

Last week, former idols Zico and Rivaldo both had plenty to say about the state of the current Selecao side, none of it pretty (links in Portuguese). It is part of the press' job to cause controversy and incite debate; when those who have been in the same boat as those currently suffering the malaise, it is a sure sign support is thin on the ground.

The Veterans Still Have Something to Give

Silvia Izquierdo/Associated Press

Brazil's road back to former glories will be long and arduous. Dunga's mission is a work in progress, and he needs time and patience.

But that does not mean he should simply wipe the slate clean and start from scratch all over again. Some of the country's better performers in Chile were the more experienced members of the squad, notably Daniel Alves and Robinho, who offered timely reminders to the boss that they are far from finished at international level.

Both could have key roles to play in the World Cup qualifiers.

Brazil Need Some Form of No. 9

Felipe Dana/Associated Press

Following the painful travails of Fred at the World Cup, it can be understood why Brazil have, for the time being at least, done away with the system that uses a target man. Diego Tardelli and Roberto Firmino have been battling out for the role of “line leader,” rather than out-and-out predator, ever since, but it is fair to say both flattered to deceive at the Copa America.

Tardelli failed to find the back of the net and, apart from his run to draw away the defender for Neymar's equaliser against Peru, failed to make any meaningful sort of penalty-area contribution. Firmino did manage to find the net but was also guilty of arguably the miss of the tournament in the group game against Colombia.

While a return to the lone-striker system is not an absolute necessity, it would perhaps be an idea to have the option from the bench and Leandro Damiao, Alexandre Pato or Alan Kardec could all offer a different dimension to the side's play than the less predatory Tardelli or Firmino.

There Is Hope for the Future

Silvia Izquierdo/Associated Press

Despite the storm of negativity around the Selecao at present, all hope is not lost. There are players, both breaking onto the international stage as well as ready to step up in the future, who should give the public hope that Brazil will be able to challenge the very best again.

The likes of Danilo, who missed the Copa America due to injury, has looked a more than able right-back under Dunga. In addition, Philippe Coutinho also did enough to show that he can contribute to this side's offensive threat, even if he did not quite have the tournament many had hoped after his performances both for Liverpool and in the pre-Copa friendlies.

Meanwhile, back home, there is always fervent talk of the “Next Big Thing.” The Fluminense pair of Kenedy and Gerson, in attack and midfield respectively, have been the talk of the Bazilian press for months, while Gabigol is making waves at Santos. The talent pool is far from dry.