For the second time in the Copa America’s 100-year history, Brazil were eliminated from the tournament’s first round after a controversial and improbable 1-0 loss to Peru in Massachusetts.
Universitario forward Raul Ruidiaz scored the only goal of the game on 75 minutes, deflecting an Andy Polo cross into the Brazilian net. However, television replays showed the Peruvian striker blatantly used his right arm to direct the ball goalwards.
Peru qualify in first place in Group B and will face Colombia in the next round, while Ecuador ensured their place in the quarter-finals with a 4-0 win over Haiti.
Brazil finished in third place with only four points out of a possible nine. It remains to be seen whether or not head coach Dunga will keep his job for the Olympic football tournament in August.
In his nearly two years in charge of the national team, Dunga has seen Brazil eliminated from the 2015 Copa America at the quarter-final stage, drop out of the qualifying places for the 2018 World Cup and now be sent home in the very first round of the Copa America Centenario. Now he looks likely to be shown the door.
While the 7-1 victory over Haiti perked up the Selecao’s spirits somewhat, Brazil were eliminated from the Copa América after a truly disappointing performance over their three matches. Unable to score against either Ecuador or Peru, losing to the Peruvians for the first time in 31 years and being the only team in Group B to concede a goal to minnows Haiti. As unlikely as it may have looked at the beginning of the day, Brazil were deservedly eliminated.
Dunga went into this tournament already under pressure, as shown by his surprising choice to play a more attacking and free-flowing system as opposed to his usual cynical, counterattacking style. Fans favourites such as Philippe Coutinho , Lucas Lima and Gabriel Barbosa were given playing time, and the Selecao even started the match against Peru with no recognisable defensive midfielders.
He has tried, failed, tried again and failed once more and now Dunga must surely be replaced as Brazil’s head coach. His expression of utter helplessness and defeat on the touchline, as well as the fact that he only used one of his three substitutes, show that the 1994 World Cup winner is completely out of ideas. The Brazilian FA had hinted that whatever happened at the Copa America, Dunga would be their coach for the Olympic Games football tournament in August. However, they were not banking on a first-round elimination at the hands of an average Peru side.
While Dunga’s boys stumbled and fell out of the Copa America in spectacular circumstances, the mood at home was largely indifferent. On an uncharacteristically cold Sunday evening, Brazilian fans chose instead to take to social media and make digs at the Selecao’s expense.
The national football team has always struggled to properly unite the Brazilian population, who has always cared far more about their local clubs. However, since the embarrassment of the 7-1 loss to Germany at home in the 2014 World Cup and the subsequent two eliminations in Copas America, support for Brazil could not be lower.
Teams
Brazil : Alisson, Daniel Alves, Miranda, Gil, Filipe Luis, Elias, Renato Augusto, Lucas Lima, Coutinho, Willian, Gabriel (Hulk)
Peru: Gallese, Corzo, Trauco, Rodriguez, Ramos, Balbin (Yotun), Vilchez, Cueva (Tapia), Guerrero, Flores (Ruidiaz), Polo
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