Brazil boss Dunga sorry for 'donkey' slur

Dunga apologised to his country's fans (REUTERS)

Brazil coach Dunga apologised to his country's fans ahead of today's World Cup match against Portugal in Durban.

Dunga verbally insulted a Brazilian reporter after his team's 3-1 triumph over the Ivory Coast.

The former Brazil star used the words "donkey" and "wimp" as well as launching a verbal attack on the journalist in question in his post-match press conference.

"I'm sorry to the fans for the language I used and for the manner in which I spoke after that game," said Dunga.

"The fans have always supported the national team and all I want to do is to be able to work for the good of this team."

Dunga, whose side have claimed maximum points from their opening two matches to already seal a place in the last 16, has an added reason to succeed in South Africa and not just because he is in charge of the five-time world champions.

"My father has been ill for some time," said Dunga.

"This is another opportunity for me to show my dad all the virtues that he conveyed to me.

"The fact that I have to be strong, transparent, dignified and that I have to apologise when I err.

"My mother has given me the best example in life, never to give up, to do my best and to be a decent person."

Nothing comes easy in this World Cup and proof of that is that tournament hosts South Africa, reigning champions Italy and 2006 finalists France were knocked out in the first round of the competition.

"We know that football is always something of a Pandora's box," he said.

"All the teams that are here are very good sides.

"We are talking about globalised football and we have to be prepared for unexpected surprises."

The past, according to Dunga, makes no difference in this day and age.

"We have to start evolving and forget about the traditional teams," he said. "Those days are over.

"If the traditional teams don't play well, they will be eliminated.

"We, the so called traditional teams, have to be aware of that."

Portugal, meanwhile, who lie second in Group G, have the utmost respect for the Canarinha.

"We play against the highest-ranked team in the world," said Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz.

"They have tremendous organisation.

"They are a very solid team, full of outstanding players.

"I think it's going to be a very difficult game.

"But then again, any victory against Brazil is always an excellent result for any team.

"But even a draw for that matter."

Portugal need just a point to join Brazil in the next round although a defeat is likely to see them through as they have a big goal difference advantage with respect to the Ivory Coast, who have one point from their two games.