Meet Dunga’s duplicate
Tough on and off the field, Brazil defensive midfielder Felipe Melo is a lot like his coach Dunga, the man who excelled at the same role with the national team for nearly a decade.
Felipe Melo will be a key part of Brazil’s midfield at the World Cup, just like Dunga was when he played for the national team in the 1990s. The similarities go beyond playing style. Both are abrupt in their public comments and both cajole their teammates during matches and training.
“We have similar characteristics,” Felipe Melo said. “And that’s important. Every team needs a player with a strong character to help out when a teammate is in need,” he added.
Dunga won 96 caps for Brazil, was captain when it won the 1994 World Cup in the United States. He also played in the 1990 tournament, when Brazil fell to archrival Argentina in the second round, and in 1998, when Brazil lost the final to France.
By contrast, Melo will be making is 19th appearance when Brazil open their campaign against North Korea in Johannesburg. His most significant title with Brazil so far is last year’s Confederations Cup.
“I’m trying to learn from Dunga’s experience and the tips he is always giving me,” he said. — AP
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