Dunga out to make Cruyff pay for attack on Brazil

World Cup Quarter-Finals

BRAZIL coach Dunga has dismissed Dutch legend Johan Cruyff's damning indictment of his team ahead of their World Cup quarter-final with Holland today.

Cruyff insisted he would not pay to watch the current crop of Brazilians, who will continue their bid for a sixth world title at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth today.

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Dunga's team very much reflect both his personality and the way he played in the midfield engine room, and while the defensive resilience he has instilled may not be to the liking of all observers, he is making no apologies for his approach.

Asked about Cruyff's remarks, he said: "It's up to him. Cruyff can pay to watch this game if he wants.

"There are many games on offer and democracy allows you to make your own choice.

"But I am sure Cruyff is not going to pay for the ticket, so therefore he can watch it if he wants to.

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"My grandfather said in his day football was excellent. My father said that, I say that and I am sure my son and my grandson are going to say exactly the same, that in their day the football was very good, that the players could dribble magnificently, they could head magnificently. We know world-class players are always outstanding at any time."

Dunga's team have safely negotiated their way to the last eight with only Portugal managing to avoid defeat against them as the sides drew

0-0 in the group stages.

They remain favourites to lift the trophy despite the misgivings of their critics, although the manager remains philosophical.

Dunga said: "I have made my own mistakes and, at the end of the day, I often think about what I could have done differently.

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"Even when I am correct, there is always another way to look at options."

Dunga was part of the team which, four years after dumping them out at the quarter-final stage, beat Holland in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to secure a place in the final of the 1998 World Cup, only to eventually lose 3-0 to hosts France.

That proved to be Dunga's final game for his country, and one which sticks in his memory.

He said: "It was a very emotional game, the '98 final. I know we didn't play as well as we could, but we did give of our best right to the last minute."

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That disappointment is something Dunga will be desperate to avoid in South Africa, and that means every remaining game will be treated as if it were the final itself.

He said: "From now on, each game is the World Cup final. There is no time for recriminations and what has happened beforehand is of no consequence now.

"The World Cup only comes around every four years and the world practically stops to watch. I would certainly pay to watch this game."

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has warned Brazil that Holland are ready to break their World Cup stranglehold over them.

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The Dutch have twice in recent times suffered heartbreaking exits at the hands of the five-times winners but captain van Bronckhorst is confident the tables will be turned.

"Obviously, the games in the past haven't gone our way, but we want to win the World Cup, and that means we have to beat Brazil.

"We are a tight group. This team has been together for four or six years now and we know what the strengths of all the players are. It's always good to go out on to the pitch with a team you can trust. Everybody has to believe we can win this match."

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan claims he is not surprised to be one of the stars of the World Cup, ahead of today's quarter-final with Uruguay in Johannesburg.

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The Rennes player has scored three goals in four matches including the winner against the United States in the last 16.

It is a far cry from two years ago, when Gyan was close to quitting the African Nations Cup after being criticised by the Ghana supporters.

Now the 24-year-old, who has recovered from an ankle knock, has his sights set on playing in the Barclays Premier League.

Gyan said: "I did expect to score goals here because I did so well for my club and the confidence is there. I've scored many goals for my club. I am not surprised.

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"When I am 100 per cent fit, I know what I can do on the field. I am not surprised to be a star here. I know what I am worth when I am 100 per cent fit. I thank God for that.

"People compare me with big names like Lionel Messi and I'm very happy to hear that. They are the best strikers in the world.

"You also have to remember that two years ago I was criticised by my compatriots.

"It hurt. But I never lost trust in myself."

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