Dunga picks youngsters
Brazil coach Dunga named fresh defensive blood Wednesday in the shape of CSKA Moscow defender Mario Fernandes and Inter Milan defender Dodo in naming his squad for an Asian tour comprising games against Argentina and Japan in Beijing and Singapore.
The October 11 encounter with Argentina is the latest in the South American neighbours' Superclassico of the Americas series, while the friendly with Japan three days later in Singapore will enable Dunga to work on solidifying the foundations of the post-World Cup era which began when he replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari in July.
"We are just starting off. There is no point in changing everything around. We have to build a base and target continuity. We must offer the youngsters tranquillity and tap into their enthusiasm," said Dunga, who skippered the Selecao to the 1994 World Cup but was sacked as coach after a 2010 quarterfinal loss to the Netherlands.
"It'll be something different for the Chinese to see a Superclassico with Brazil and Argentina. It'll be good for them and an important game for us."
Recent Superclassicos were played over home and away legs. With the Chinese match an official FIFA friendly date the Brazilians and their World Cup finalist rivals can call on European-based stars such as Neymar.
Seven of the Brazil squad are-home based.
Mario Fernandes, 23, started off at Gremio and is now making a name for himself in Russia with CSKA following a 2012 move. He gets his chance after veteran Maicon was dropped from the squad for indiscipline on a US tour earlier this month.
Fernandes turned down an earlier Superclasico call up under Scolari predecessor Mano Menezes in 2011 citing personal problems.
Dunga said: "That was a while back. He was young but we all get a second chance."
In two friendlies at the helm since his return Dunga has overseen solitary goal victories in the United States over Colombia and Ecuador.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Rafael (Napoli/ITA)
Defenders: David Luiz, Marquinos (both Paris Saint Germain/FRA), Gil (Corinthians), Miranda (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Filipe Luis (Chelsea/ENG), Danilo (FC Porto/POR), Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Dodo (Inter Milan/ITA)
Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg/GER), Elias (Corinthians), Fernandinho (ManchesterCity/ENG), Ramires (Chelsea/ENG), Everton Ribeiro (Cruzeiro), Willian (Chelsea/ENG), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool/ENG), Oscar (Chelsea).
Strikers: Neymar (Barcelona), Diego Tardelli (Atletico Mineiro), Ricardo Goulart (Cruzeiro), Robinho (Santos)
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