Former Brazil international Juninho does not believe the national team s showing at the Copa America Centenario should define their progress under head coach Dunga.
The 1994 World Cup-winning captain returned for a second spell in charge of Brazil in the aftermath of their humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat at the hands of Germany on home soil, souring their hosting of the 2014 tournament.
Dunga s Brazil bowed out at the quarter-final stage of last year s Copa America, losing on penalties to Paraguay, while they lie sixth in the CONMEBOL qualifying section for the 2018 World Cup after six matches.
But ex-Middlesbrough and Atletico Madrid midfielder Juninho believe the coach, who has faced criticism for a perceived negative playing style, has Brazil on course to challenge for an unprecedented sixth global crown in Russia two years from now.
I think that planning is being done well, he told Omnisport.
The medium and long phase is [the] recovery of Brazil. It is very detailed. It s the return of Brazil.
And Dunga is doing well. The goal is clear the 2018 FIFA World Cup. So I think, even losing [at the Copa America Centenario], Dunga will continue.
It will not be the end of the age of Dunga.
