Dunga: Argentina victory is huge for Brazil

Brazil coach Dunga during his side's 2-0 victory over Argentina

The Selecao coach described their 2-0 Suerpclasico victory the Albiceleste as 'fantastic' but was critical of the referee, who he says was "not prepared" for such a game

Brazil coach Dunga says beating World Cup runners-up Argentina was a huge confidence boost for his side as they look to move on from their World Cup heartache.

The Selecao hosted the 2014 World Cup but suffered a 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany, who went on to beat Argentina by a single goal in the final.

A national team cull saw Dunga cut more than half of those who went down to Germany, and Saturday saw his new Brazil side grab their third straight victory with a 2-0 win over the Albiceleste in the Gillette Superclasico de las Americas in Beijing.

"After the World Cup, beating the runners-up, who then went on to beat Germany [in a friendly last month] is fantastic," he said.

"It gives huge confidence to the players."

The 50-year-old was critical of Chinese referee Fan Qi after a feisty affair saw a number of free-kicks awarded, but just four yellow cards issued.

"Brazil and Argentina is a hotly-contested derby," he said.

"It needs an experienced referee. Unfortunately, he was not prepared. This was not a friendly but a cup final. The tackling was very strong, but we were able to impose ourselves and mark fairly. It takes mental discipline when the opponent tackle so hard."

Dunga is intent on imposing a more dynamic style and has worked hard in training on quick, precise counter-attacking and heavy pressing, and was critical of his side’s sluggish start to the game.

"The team wanted to attack too quickly, without working the ball," he added.

"At first we wanted to mark the defenders and left them to play. Then we began to press the ball and take our chances. Football is like that, you can’t play 90 minutes at the same intensity."