Dunga Fired as Brazil's Manager: Latest Comments and Reaction

Brazil have sacked manager Dunga following the team’s abject performance at the Copa America Centenario.

Football journalist Graham Ruthven relayed the information:

The team confirmed the news on Tuesday (h/t AFP via AS), bringing an end to the World Cup-winning captain’s second spell in charge of the national team.

The Selecao failed to advance in the centenary edition of the continental tournament in humiliating fashion, as they couldn't move into the quarter-finals from a group that contained Ecuador, Peru and Haiti.

With talisman and captain Neymar left out of the squad with the Summer Olympics in mind, Brazil often looked toothless in their attacking forays, a 7-1 win against minnows Haiti aside. Additionally, Dunga had to cope with a spate of withdrawals in the buildup to the tournament, with six players pulling out due to injuries and personal problems.

Still, more was expected from what was a talented group of players. Bleacher Report’s Robbie Blakeley thinks the manager had to take responsibility for the poor performances:

After the embarrassing manner in which Germany eliminated Brazil from their home World Cup in 2014—beating them 7-1 in the semi-finals—Dunga was drafted in once again to add some pragmatism to a team that possessed brittle confidence.

After the tournament, the Selecao won 11 games in a row under their former midfielder. However, Paraguay eliminated them in the first knockout stage of the 2015 edition of the Copa America on penalties. Since then, performances have been inconsistent, culminating with another early tournament failure.

In the wake of Sunday's damning 1-0 defeat to Peru, South American football journalist Rupert Fryer expressed his concerns about Dunga's erratic coaching style:

Ultimately, it was a decision that seemed inevitable. What made Dunga such an important figure for Brazil during his time on the field was his uniqueness. Tackles, interceptions and dirty work were his currency. For a nation founded on fluid, flamboyant football, that kind of ethos has proven to be a poor fit on a couple of occasions under his watch.

The next boss will have a clutch of quality players when he takes over, with Neymar, the crown jewel, one of the finest footballers in the world and a magnificent performer in the iconic gold strip. It’s vital the next regime harnesses a balance between effective football and joga bonito in a way Dunga never could.