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Dunga Returns As Brazil's Manager

Former Brazilian manager Dunga is taking a second stint with the Selecao following the resignation of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Dunga, also a former World Cup champion as a player for Brazil in 1994, was the coach of Selecao from 2006-2010. During his time as manager he won the 2007 Copa America, a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and the 2009 Confederations Cup. In the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Brazil was eliminated by the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, ending his tenure. 

Dunga comes in after Brazil’s embarrassing 7-1 defeat in the semifinals and 3-0 defeat in the third place match of this years World Cup. By Brazilian standards, things probably can’t get any worse. 

“I am immensely happy to be back,” Dunga said. “The fans are very down right now but they are right behind the team. I am not here to sell a dream, we must get down to work.”

Brazil has previously rehired 12 coaches, but under Dunga the team saw its best winning percentage, winning 72% of their games. That percentage isn’t even close to the amount of opposition the decision of rehiring Dunga received. A poll revealed that 85% of the population opposed the decision and most remember the manager's bitter attitude towards Neymar.

It is a risky hire for Brazil, but Dunga knows what it takes to win at the highest level. The thing is, he will have to work fast and revive positivity among Brazilian supports quickly. 

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