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Brazil coach Dunga will only take charge of the Olympic squad in Rio if the national team performs well in June’s Copa America in the United States, according to local media reports.

Dunga, who took charge of Brazil for the second time in July 2014, received renewed support from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Tuesday despite a poor start to South American qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

Brazil drew with both Uruguay and Paraguay last month to leave the five-time world champions sixth in the 10-nation group after six matches and currently outside the four automatic qualifying places.

The original plan was for Dunga, 52, to take over from Rogerio Micale, coach of Brazil’s under-23 team which will represent the country at the Rio Olympics, with the latter serving as his assistant at the Games.

But if Brazil underperform at the Copa America Centenario, a special edition marking the 100th anniversary of the South American tournament, the CBF could opt to leave Micale in charge in Rio.

According to local reports, the CBF does not currently have an alternative plan to replace Dunga after Corinthians boss Tite turned down an approach. 

Brazil have never won Olympic football gold, finishing runners-up on three occasions in 1984, 1988 and 2012. – Agence France-Presse

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