Dunga: no option but to win

BRAZIL have already progressedto the last 16 of the World Cupbut coach Dunga is still feeling plenty of pressure ahead of today’s final Group G showdown against Portugal.

The Canarinha, winners of their opening two games, are in first place and two points clear of second-top Portugal.

Brazil have had so much success over the years, draws are never good enough for their fans and they certainly do not accept defeats.

“Brazil has to win, otherwise I am going to have tremendous problems,” said Dunga.

“We have no other option, we play to win, we must play to win.

“The important thing is we play the best we can.”

Dunga has reminded his players he will not tolerate indiscipline from now on.

Brazil will be without star player Kaka as he serves a one-match ban after being sent off for a double booking against the Ivory Coast.

“Since the qualifying matches, we have to start our games with 11 players and finish them with 11 players,” he said.

“Having said that I would like to reiterate Kaka did not show any kind of nervousness against the Ivory Coast.

“I think he played a balanced game and he got his first yellow card after being fouled and then he got a second card even though Kaka did not provoke his rival.”

Dunga believes Kaka’s absence will not hinder his side.

“We all know Kaka is a unique player,” he said.

“But Julio Baptista has already played in the Copa America with us and he adapts well to going forward.

“Baptista is very powerful and is a good shooter from outside. But we have to play as a collective.”

One player who is likely to sit out the encounter against Portugal is Galatasaray midfielder Elano, who sustained a calf injury in Brazil’s second victory shortly after scoring.

Portugal head into the match in buoyant mood after thrashing North Korea 7-0 in their last game.

Dunga expects the Portuguese to show the same attacking flair as they did against the Asian side.

“Portugal is going to have to attack in order to secure points,” he said.

“I believe Portugal are going to play as they have played up to now.”

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz believes it will take a monumental effort for his side to upset Brazil.

“We play against the highest-ranked team in the world,” said Queiroz.

“They have tremendous organisation. They are a very solid team, full of outstanding players.

“I think it’s going to be a very difficult game for both sides.”

Queiroz’s side could lose and still go through as their 7-0 triumph over North Korea ensured their goal difference is far superior to Ivory Coast – the only side that can end their World Cup adventure.

However, Queiroz insists his players will go out for the win, determined to top their group.

“Brazil has already qualified and we, on the other hand, still have to progress,” he said. “We are going to try to change the rhythm of Brazil. We are not going to play for a draw but we are going out to win.”

A triumph over Brazil would be a major boost in confidence for La Seleção.

“Any victory against Brazil is always an excellent result for any team,” said Queiroz. “But even a draw for that matter. We just have to use all of our skills and technique.”

Despite being a booking away from missing the knock-out round should his team qualify, Queiroz will not save star player Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Portugal are playing with a view to qualify,” said Queiroz. “Ronaldo has to play his normal football and play just as he did in the game where he picked up a yellow card.”

Queiroz will be without injured Deco, with the Brazil-born midfielder still struggling with a hip injury.