Brazil Look to Close 2014 on a High After World Cup Disaster

A turbulent year is coming to an end. Following the waves of optimism at the dawn of 2014, followed by the catastrophic failure of its middle months, Dunga and Brazil look to see out the calendar year on something of a positive, as final tests against Turkey and Austria beckon.

Of course, this period will never be looked upon as a success. There was only ever one task to accomplish: Bring home the World Cup, and with that goal effectively wiped out at approximately 5:20 p.m. local time on July 8, the past 12 months are now likely to be viewed in the same light as the country's other major footballing tragedy of 1950.

Yet the annus horribilis has taken a turn for the better during its second act. Who would have thought it could have been brought about by a man derided during his last reign, his reinstatement at the helm of the ship looked upon with an initial dreary glumness usually reserved by teenagers receiving a lecture on the finer points of the splitting of the atom.

But Dunga has profited from the nation's negative outlook on its most famous pastime and turned it to his own benefit. He started cautiously, with narrow wins over neighbours Colombia and Ecuador.

He was buoyed by an excellent win over great rivals Argentina, which saw home favourites Jefferson and Diego Tardelli, of Botafogo and Atletico Mineiro respectively, steal the show with displays of smart reaction goalkeeping and pinpoint-precision finishing.

To broaden Dunga's smile further, that was topped by the Selecao's rout of Japan. Four goals were put past their Asian opponents with consummate ease, No. 10 and new captain Neymar bagging the lot as the motor in the side's engine begins to progress from a gentle purr to a frantic gunning.

After four games Brazil boast a 100 per cent record and are yet to concede a goal. Moreover, that defensive stability—torn apart at the World Cup when the hosts conceded 10 goals in two games and managed a solitary clean sheet throughout the competition—is complemented by a mobile attacking unit.

The heavy presence of domestically based players in the last two friendlies did not go unnoticed by the local media, always keen to talk up those representing the country whilst finding employment in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

But in the year's curtain call it is the turn of Brazilians based abroad, good naturedly dubbed “Gringos” by sections of the national media.

There have been some casualties before the players even arrived in Istanbul ahead of tomorrow's friendly, in what is likely to be the most testing atmosphere experienced since Dunga's return.

Lucas Moura, who was outstanding in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-0 win over Marseille at the weekend, has dropped out through injury. In his place, the highly sought-after Anderson Talisca, of Benfica, has been called up.

In addition, Roberto Firmino will be given a first run out in national colours following an excellent 2013/14 season for German outfit Hoffenheim. Not quite managing to hit the heights of last season yet, he could well be partnered in attack by fellow debutant Luiz Adriano, one of Shakhtar Donetsk's trio of Selecao squad members, and this season's Champions League leading scorer.

To make things more interesting, former captain Thiago Silva is back in the squad for the first time following the World Cup. A pair of young goalkeepers, Neto and Rafael Cabral, will challenge veteran Jefferson for the No. 1 jersey.

The doom and gloom is lifting as the strength in depth of Brazil's current crop is tested. So far, the coach has got the blend of experience and rookies spot on.

Going into the final two challenges of what has been a gruelling year, certainly in an emotional sense, Dunga has options at his disposal. The majority of Brazilians are likely to want to see the back of 2014 sooner rather than later.

But as this 12-month cycle is brought to an end and the first whisperings of the Copa America are made, there is a dim light at the end of the tunnel. The next chapter is being written.