Bruising start for Dunga's Brazil

During his playing days, Brazil's coach Dunga was famous for dishing out meaty tackles to the opposition but his team were on the receiving end as they drew 1-1 away to Norway in his first match in charge.

Norway gave away 31 free-kicks during the match and it was almost impossible for Brazil's new-look team to get into their stride against such systematic fouling.

"If it had been a World Cup match, they would have had at least three players sent off," said Dunga.

Dunga was also unimpressed by Norway's unbeaten record in four matches against Brazil, pointing out that three of the games were friendlies in Oslo and the other was in France during the 1998 World Cup.

"Would I accept a rematch in Rio de Janeiro? Of course, no problem at all" he said. "After all, Brazil are five-times world champions and took part at the last World Cup."

A second-half goal by debutant midfielder Daniel Carvalho gave Brazil a deserved draw in Oslo, wiping out Morten Gamst Pedersen's opener which was scored with the help of a blunder by goalkeeper Gomes, also making his first appearance.

Dunga's first job is to restore some pride to the Brazilian team after what was widely regarded as a lethargic World Cup display by overweight players who lacked passion and fighting spirit.

He said he liked what he saw after deciding to leave out big names such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano and Kaka.

Dunga has included Ronaldinho and Kaka for their next match, against Argentina in London on September 3, but Ronaldo and Adriano may have to shed some kilos before they get another chance.