Soccer: Brazil coach Dunga insists the fitness of his players is his greatest concern ahead of tomorrow night's friendly with the Repubilc of Ireland. And with the World Cup looming large on the horizon, Dunga indicated that he make a host of changes during the match to try to ensure his squad do not pick up injuries.
While there was no place in the Brazil squad for Ronaldinho, with Dunga overlooking the rejuvenated AC Milan star, the likes of Adriano, Nilmar, Robinho and Kaka will pose plenty of problems for Ireland.
And a makeshift defence without the cool head of Richard Dunne is likely to come up against the full array of Brazil’s attacking talent as Dunga intends to chop and change throughout in order to keep players fresh.
“The thing that is the most important for us is bringing the players back to the clubs without injury. Some played on Sunday, some 10 hours ago,” Dunga said this evening.
“The players might be tired and we need to ensure we don’t get injured. For the rest, it’s normal - we’ll make some substitutions so that as many as possible can play. We don’t want players injured for the World Cup.”
Midfielder Gilberto Silva believes Giovanni Trapattoni’s side represent ideal opposition as the South Americans put the final touches to their World Cup preparations.
“Preparations (for the World Cup) have been very good until now,” Gilberto said this evening. “We just have to try and keep going and doing a good job, doing the right things.
“Ireland will be a good test for the team. For sure, we want to finish this preparation before the last weeks to keep our confidence very high.
“Every day, we feel very anxious because we come closer and closer but it’s important for every one to keep doing the job in the right way, prepare in our clubs and then we will not lose time when we get there.”
That this will be Ireland’s first match since their controversial World Cup exit at the hands of Thierry Henry was not lost on the former Arsenal man, who added: “I feel sorry for the way they didn’t qualify and the way they were knocked out.
“But sometimes these things happen and even though they aren’t there, it will be a tough game and a tough opponent for us.”