<p>In just under four years as Brazil coach, Dunga has been on an almost obsessive mission to kick vanity and individualism out of a team which has always been famous for producing both in large quantities. As a result, the words patriotism, team spirit, hard work and discipline punctuate the coach's discourse while talent rarely forms part of his vocabulary. <br />Preciously gifted players such as Ronaldinho, Santos pair Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar and Fenerbahce midfielder Alex have all fallen victim to the new order, having been omitted from Dunga's squad. <br /><br />On the other hand, workhorses such as Kleberson, Gilberto Silva and Josue are included, even though all three are past their best in their club careers. A team famous for its attacking players now boasts goalkeeper Julio Cesar and Maicon and Lucio –– both defenders –– as its most important players. <br /><br />"Unfortunately, he's chosen something which is distant from the culture of Brazilian football, which has always been based on creativity to express itself," said former Brazil captain Socrates in a recent interview. "We're breaking away from our culture. Full back Daniel Alves, who would be an automatic starter in almost any other national team, has a bit-part role for Brazil, yet would never be heard complaining. "I'm not worried about being in the starting line-up or on the bench because that division doesn't exist in this group," he said. <br />"The coach makes his choices and the others have to wait for their chances. The most important is to be in the group and defending the Brazilian shirt."</p>
<p>In just under four years as Brazil coach, Dunga has been on an almost obsessive mission to kick vanity and individualism out of a team which has always been famous for producing both in large quantities. As a result, the words patriotism, team spirit, hard work and discipline punctuate the coach's discourse while talent rarely forms part of his vocabulary. <br />Preciously gifted players such as Ronaldinho, Santos pair Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar and Fenerbahce midfielder Alex have all fallen victim to the new order, having been omitted from Dunga's squad. <br /><br />On the other hand, workhorses such as Kleberson, Gilberto Silva and Josue are included, even though all three are past their best in their club careers. A team famous for its attacking players now boasts goalkeeper Julio Cesar and Maicon and Lucio –– both defenders –– as its most important players. <br /><br />"Unfortunately, he's chosen something which is distant from the culture of Brazilian football, which has always been based on creativity to express itself," said former Brazil captain Socrates in a recent interview. "We're breaking away from our culture. Full back Daniel Alves, who would be an automatic starter in almost any other national team, has a bit-part role for Brazil, yet would never be heard complaining. "I'm not worried about being in the starting line-up or on the bench because that division doesn't exist in this group," he said. <br />"The coach makes his choices and the others have to wait for their chances. The most important is to be in the group and defending the Brazilian shirt."</p>
