Brazil beat Chile 3-0 at Ellis Park, Dunga vows further fine-tuning

Brazil beat Chile 3-0 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Monday to reach the World Cup quarterfinals and set up a tie with the Netherlands.

After a cautious opening win over North Korea that prompted criticism of his approach, coach Carlos Dunga oversaw a markedly more expansive display as goals from Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho secured a comprehensive victory. Dunga said he would shorten training sessions so his side could sustain a more attacking style than seen in the group stage, and insisted confidence is building within the squad.

The Selecao’s performance at Ellis Park suggested a potent attacking unit: Juan opened the scoring, Luis Fabiano netted after a Kaka assist and Robinho completed the 3-0 scoreline, with Brazil reportedly operating without needing to push through the gears. Dunga said: “We’ve already said that in these World Cup games, that we have to play an open game, and that is what we saw.”

Dunga added: “As we go along, game by game, our confidence is growing.” He also outlined a detailed approach to preparation in South Africa, saying nutrition, training and recovery times were being monitored closely as part of the camp’s planning for a possible sixth World Cup title.

Kaka, described in the report as the Real Madrid star, lasted 81 minutes against Chile and provided the assist for Fabiano’s goal as he continues his comeback from a groin injury. Dunga expressed a separate concern about Kaka’s disciplinary record after the playmaker’s previous sending off, calling the risk of another booking “a problem”.

Dunga credited his management style with improving individual discipline and team cohesion, saying: “I only need to say a few words, and the players know what they should do and where they should play.” He added: “I have told them that they have the liberty to play. I try to give them advice to guide them, so that they put in the best performance possible.”

Brazil must now travel from their Johannesburg base to Port Elizabeth for the quarterfinal against the Netherlands on Friday, and potentially relocate again for a semifinal in Cape Town. “We were very well settled in our hotel in a very favourable atmosphere, and we are now going to have to move from city to city and hotel to hotel, and this causes its own confusion,” Dunga said. “It would be better to remain where we are.”