Brazil's Dunga rewarded for sticking to his guns

PUERTO LA CRUZ, Venezuela, July 8 (Reuters) Brazil coach Dunga was rewarded for having the courage of his convictions in his team's 6-1 win over Chile in their Copa America quarter-final.

Despite widespread criticism, the coach refused to change his team's style or his controversial midfield which includes three players -- Gilberto Silva, Josue and Mineiro -- who are considered defensive by nature.

''A win always brings confidence,'' Dunga said after yesterday's game. ''Even when people don't like what you're doing or don't agree with the way you are picking the team, you need to have conviction.

''You can't keep changing the team all the time because of what people say. The most important thing is to make sure the players are confident.'' The win is likely to earn Dunga much-needed respite ahead of Tuesday's semi-final against Uruguay.

The coach had become an increasingly beleaguered figure as Brazil managed only four goals, all scored by Robinho, in the group stage.

The critics were out in force after the 1-0 win over Ecuador on Wednesday.

Yesterday, the goals were shared around with defender Juan, midfielders Julio Baptista and Josue and striker Vagner Love all getting on the scoresheet.

Robinho was also on target, scoring twice to take his tally to six.

''This was the result of team work, things worked out better,'' said Dunga. ''Robinho and Vagner Love's talent is going to appear occasionally but all the players are important.

He said his midfield was not defensive.

''Mineiro gets forward, Josue is a good passer of the ball and Gilberto Silva gives protection,'' he said.

''The win against Ecuador was not hell and this is not heaven,'' he added.

REUTERS BJR PM1950