Dunga: Singapore gave Brazil good test

When the most successful side in international football rolls into town, chances are, they're going to steal the limelight away from the local team.

Such was the case in the past week since the Brazilian Olympic football team touched down in Singapore, on their way to compete in this summer's Beijing Games.

After much anticipation though, the Singapore Select XI managed to re-claim some of the attention with a spirited display to restrict the samba kings to three goals, while at the same time creating chances of their own.

Brazilian coach Dunga was happy about the result though, especially considering the unfamiliar time-zone and conditions.

"It was a good game, so we had a good practice, especially coming from a different time-zone and with the weather being so humid," said the former World Cup winner.

"We also have players at several different levels of fitness."

With the clock counting down to the start of the Beijing Games Dunga is well aware of the time constraints he must deal with, the 44-year-old even went so far as to state: "In 15 days we can't really prepare a team for (the Olympics)."

"So we try to pass the ball around and let the opponent run after the ball, that way we get to know the other players and tactically try to impose ourselves."

Although the Brazilian team is certainly not short of global football superstars, there was little doubt who was the fan's favourite; two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and new AC Milan signing Ronaldinho.

Much has been made of Ronaldinho's lack of competitive match fitness and some were left to wonder whether Dunga's decision to play him up front against Singapore may have been affected by his condition.

"We put him there because he has a very good touch on the ball and of course it's been a while since he has played competitive games, so we thought he would do well there and he did," responded the Brazilian coach.

"At half time I changed him around a little bit, by moving him more into midfield. But he's more important up front because of his touch on the ball."

"And since he's not really 100%, if he's near the goal he has more chance to score."

Dunga was optimistic about his captain's fitness though, and praised his effort so far.

"It's great that he's improving with all the physical work we're doing, and hopefully he will improve some more."

With regard to his opponents, Dunga was impressed with the Singapore performance, which he said provided his team with "a very good test."

"They gave me a good impression and they tried to do their best, especially playing against us," he continued.

"In the second half they had some very good moments and tried to test us."

"I have to thank all the good work by the Singapore Football Federation and for all the facilities they have given us"

"They have done a great job, everyone is so polite and we feel really welcome here."

Dunga's feeling of contentment and optimism was shared by Singapore coach Radojko ‘Raddy' Avramović, who on the whole was pleased with his team's performance.

"We got what we expected. I'm disappointed that we didn't score, but I think we made a few opportunities and had two or three good shots on goal," commented Raddy.

"It's good the players see they can compete in some moments with the top teams."

Despite the 3-0 loss, there are certainly aspects that the Singapore side can take away from the match against their South American counterparts, a fact which Raddy was keen to elaborate on.

"There are a few areas where they need to concentrate and learn, because if you play games against top teams and you don't learn, then something is wrong."

"The Brazil players came onto the field as stars, and it's important our players realise that you are stars on the field and you must confirm yourself as such."

It may be a while before Raddy can install this wisdom into his players though, as he lightheartedly out: "They're still chasing shirts off the Brazilian players."

As for his opponents, the Serbian was reluctant to pass judgment after the night's match, instead remarking: "They gave us some great individuals, but I'm sure they will face more physical games there then they did tonight."

"They must improve a few things if they want to go for gold, because it won't be easy. But when it comes to competition form, you get that from competition."

Brazil will face Vietnam at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on Friday, their last match before they begin their Olympic campaign.