Dunga's unbeaten streak ends

Brazilian National coach Dunga finally suffered his first defeat at the helm of the squad this week, falling 2-0 to Portugal in a friendly match played in London. In his six previous matches, the coach had five wins and one tie.

Without Robinho, Ronaldinho and Alex, which were on his initial list of players selected for the match but had to be scratched to injuries, Dunga decided to play Rafael Sobis and Fred in attack, with Kaka and Elano in the midfield in front of Gilberto Silva and Edmilson. Brazil was able to create some chances in the first half, but missed all its scoring opportunities. In the second half Dunga decided to test new players, and the team's production fell. Portugal also made some changes, but still managed to create some dangerous scoring opportunities. Simao opened the score in the 83rd minute, being left alone inside the box to complete a pass from the right wing. Seven minutes later, another cross from the right found Ricardo Carvalho, who gave goalkeeper Helton no chance in his shot.

Portugal's coach, Brazilian Luis Felipe Scolari, won his second friendly in a row against Brazil (in their previous matchup, Scolari's Portugal defeated the Brazilians 2-1, in 2003). Meanwhile, Dunga had to deal with jokes and comments about his poor choice for a shirt, which featured black and white flowers. Prior to the game, the Brazilian media had revealed that some players had started referring to the coach - away from him, obviously - as the 'paint-display' coach, due to his dubious choice of colourful and stylish shirts for the matches.

Brazil now continues to focus on getting ready for the Copa America and 2010 World Cup qualifying, scheduled for later this year. Portugal, meanwhile, will try to build on the win to try to improve in the qualifying for Euro 2008. The team is currently in fourth in its group, behing Finland, Serbia and Poland.