Dunga eagerly anticipates match with 'best team in Asia'

The game against Japan, who themselves are finding their feet under a new manager after Javier Aguirre replaced Alberto Zaccheroni in the wake of Japan's disappointing 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign, will be Dunga's fourth at the helm following matches against Colombia (September 5) and Ecuador (September 9) in the United States and a meeting with archrivals Argentina in Beijing on October 10, four days prior to the five-time World Cup winners' blockbuster friendly against the four-time Asian champions in Singapore.

"We are truly excited to be heading to Asia to play Japan. I think Japan is the best team in Asia, so it is great for us to have this opportunity as we start to rebuild," said 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga, who played for Japanese side Jubilo Iwata in 1997.
"I am excited about my new team and it will be wonderful for us to play in front of our many Asian fans."

The friendly between Japan and Brazil comes little over a year after the two met in the opening match of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, which ended in a 3-0 victory for the South Americans and will take place on October 14 at Singapore's new US$1 billion sports hub.

The game is part of Japan's preparations for the defence of their AFC Asian Cup title, which begins on January 12 when the reigning champions take on Palestine in Newcastle.

Photo: AFP