Dunga to remain Brazil coach despite early Copa America exit

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil coach Dunga will keep his job until after the 2018 World Cup despite the team's quarterfinal exit at the Copa America, the country's top football official said on Monday.

Brazil's soccer team head coach Dunga attends a news conference at Estadio Ester Roa in Concepcion, Chile, June 26, 2015. Brazil will play against Paraguay in their Copa America quarter-finals soccer match on Saturday.  [Photo/Agencies]

Brazil were eliminated from the continental tournament in Chile on Saturday after losing their quarterfinal clash with Paraguay on penalties.

Dunga, who took over as coach of the Selecao for a second time after last year's World Cup, has been lambasted by Brazil's media for the team's incoherent form during the competition.

But in an interview with the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper on Monday, Brazil's football confederation president, Marco Polo del Nero, said the 1994 World Cup-winning captain would remain in the role.

"It's important to emphasize that I intend to have him there until 2018," Del Nero said.

He blamed the loss to Paraguay on Thiago Silva, whose second-half handball allowed Derlis Gonzalez to equalize from the penalty spot.

"All the [Copa America] teams are at a similar level with Argentina being favorites due to one player, Messi," Del Nero said.

We were eliminated because of a player's mistake. As far as missed penalties go, I have seen some of the games biggest stars miss them, even during the World Cup.