The Brazil coach relived the pain of his side’s 1998 World Cup final defeat but refused to be drawn on who would start for his side against France on Thursday.
Dunga says he still feels the pain from the Selecao’s 1998 World Cup final defeat to France. The two sides go head-to-head on Thursday as the Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour hits Stade de France in a match which evokes particular memories for the Brazil coach as sitting in the opposite dugout on Thursday will be his rival captain from the final 17 years ago, Didier Deschamps. He told: “Losing always hurts a lot, especially in the final of the World Cup. But 1990 hurt me more because the whole responsibility was placed at my door for another four years. We wanted to win in ’98, of course, but we were playing against a country that is hosting the World Cup and with great players, and that is very difficult.”
Dunga played his cards close to his chest when asked about his potential starting XI for the match with Les Bleus. He said: “I will not confirm anything. Regardless of who will play or not, everyone needs to be prepared mentally to get on and play. There has been nothing confirmed yet.”