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Boss Dunga appeals for calm as Brazil crash out to Argentina
20.08.08
Carlos Dunga today pleaded for calm from the Brazilian public after his side failed in their bid for a first Olympic gold.
The five-time World Cup winners crashed out of the Beijing tournament last night when they were beaten 3-0 by arch-rivals Argentina in a bad-tempered semi-final.
It means the agonising wait for Olympic success - an obsession for many in the football-mad nation - continues for at least another four years.
Former Queens Park Rangers director Dunga said: "We came here for a medal but we must face the defeat peacefully and have a good attitude.
"Argentina continued with their tough style and played well."
Brazil ended the game with nine men after two red cards, including one for midfielder Lucas for a lunge on his Liverpool team-mate Javier Mascherano.
Lucas was followed off the Beijing Workers' Stadium pitch by Thiago Neves after another foul on Mascherano three minutes later.
Two second-half goals from Sergio Aguero and a penalty from Juan Roman Riquelme settled the all-South American clash. Argentina will now meet Nigeria, in a repeat of the 1996 final after the African side beat Belgium 4-1.
Reader views (1)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Dunga will take the team from one disaster to another. The tactics he follow is so starnge to the Brazilian football its very defensive with counter attacks and even without clear strategy. He plays this style with even poor teams and even when he plays inside Brazil. He should leave immediately before Brazil is out from the next World Cup.
- Raed, Kuwait
