Dunga the 'people's choice' is surprise new Brazil coach

Dunga was last night confirmed as the new coach of the Brazilian national team. The former Brazil captain was announced as the new coach by Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation.

The 42-year-old succeeds Carlos Alberto Parreira, who quit as coach last Wednesday following Brazil's World Cup quarter-final defeat by France.

Dunga is a surprise choice as this is his first coaching appointment. However, Dunga has plenty of international experience having made 116 appearances for Brazil, winning the 1994 World Cup, the Confederations Cup in 1997 and the Copa America in 1989 and 1997.

"I want to bring to the national team the same attitude I had as a player," said Dunga. "Motivation and a will to win are the keys to wearing the shirt of the Brazilian national team."

Teixeira explained the CBF went for Dunga as they felt he was the people's choice. "We've chosen Dunga because he will fulfil the fans' desire of having a vibrant coach for the national team," Teixeira said.