Brazil coach Dunga, has revealed that a virus was responsible for his team’s elimination from the Copa America.
The Selecao lost out to Paraguay on penalties, after the game ended 1-1 in full time. Robinho gave Dunga’s side the lead, before Derlis Gonzalez levelled from the spot.
Dunga claims the sickness forced him to reduce the workload in their practice sessions.
“It’s not an excuse, but 15 of our players suffered from a virus this week. We had to limit some training sessions,” Dunga said in his post-match press conference.
“Players suffered from a lot of headaches, back pain and illness – some felt it more than others. We had to reduce the intensity of training to try and help them recover. Some of them were vomiting. Willian wasn’t feeling well at half-time, and Robinho was suffering in the end.”
Dunga, however, praised his players for dealing with Paraguay’s aerial threat, but lamented the lack of speed in their attacks.
“We had to balance the match on the physical aspect, and tried to win until the very end,” Dunga added.
“We tried to neutralise their main game-plan – the aerial ball. We had good moments through the match, with speed and switching between the sides.
“Today we had an important match that needed speed and we lacked that in the end”.
Comments