Embattled Brazilian senior national team coach, Dunga, has blamed ‘virus’ for the Selecao’s defeat against Paraguay in the Quarter finals of 2015 Copa America on Saturday.
The largely unimpressive Brazilian team suffered horrendous quarter final elimination from the continental championship after a 3-4 penalty shootout defeat in the hands of Paraguay after 1-1 score line. The Dunga-led side took the lead in the 15th minute through Robinho but faded afterwards. What could have been a narrow escape victory was squandered when Thiago Silva handled the ball in the box in the 72nd minutes which Derlis Gonzalez converted to drew level for Paraguay before the game went into penalty shootout.
Coach Dunga claims sickness arising from viral infection contributed to his team’s ouster from the tournament rather than tactical deficiency or poor performance from his players. Hear him: “It’s not an excuse, but 15 of our players suffered from a virus this week. We had to limit some training sessions,” Dunga explained in his post-match press conference.
“Players suffered from a lot of headache, back pain and illness – some felt it more than others. We had to reduce the intensity of training to try and help them recover. Some of them were vomiting. Willian wasn’t feeling well at half-time, and Robinho was suffering in the end,” he stressed.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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