Temuco: Will Dunga be the man to bring about the change in Brazil's fortunes after their embarrassing World Cup semi-final defeat at home to eventual champions Germany last year?

Not just Brazilians, but the entire football fraternity is eagerly waiting to see whether coach Dunga can spur the Neymars to play the brand and quality of football Brazil is famous for.

The Copa America is the first major competition the five-time world champions are taking part in. It goes without saying that a positive result here will help the side as well as the nation forget that disastrous way to end last year's World Cup campaign.

Dunga, however, insists his team are not the favourites to win the Copa America title as they prepare to face Peru in their Group C opener, at the Estadio Municipal Bicentenario Germán Becker, on Sunday. As of now, though, Brazil have made good progress under Dunga, who has led the team to 10 wins from as many games against the likes of Colombia, Argentina and France - all of whom are extremely tough competitors.

For the former defender, the favourites to win this year's Copa are Argentina and Chile. Brazil, however, have a chance of reaching the semis, he added.

"We are not the favourites. The favourites are Chile, because they are playing at home, and Argentina since they were the runners-up at the World Cup. Thereafter, you have teams such as Brazil and Uruguay, who have a lesser chance of winning.

"It will be a well-balanced and difficult competition as the South Americans nations have all improved," Dunga pointed out.

Paris St Germain defender David Luiz added: "After the World Cup, the squad is much more mature and experienced. I believe we can win the title.

"Football gives you the chance to rehabilitate quickly. If we manage to win it, we will be very happy and so will the fans. It is a nice competition in which we can start preparing for the next World Cup."

Dunga may not be liked by all, but he deserves credit for stitching up some of the more obvious cuts that had opened up under Luiz Felipe Scolari. The defence, so easily broken by Germany and the Netherlands at last year's World Cup, has been rebuilt to a certain extent with Luiz being the lone survivor.

After being left out of the squad in 2014, Atletico Madrid defender Miranda has been installed as the organiser-in-chief and that too, with startling success as the Selecao have conceded just two goals since the World Cup.

Dunga has wielded the axe in the strike zone as well. Fred, Jo, Paulinho and Hulk have all been dumped, with the more nimble Philippe Coutinho, Diego Tardelli and Roberto Firmino being preferred. The veteran on this occasion is Robinho, brought back into the squad from the cold after rediscovering his touch at Santos.

Neymar and Luiz too have matured and playing extra bit of responsibility.

Some concerns remain, though, especially in central midfield. There is no discernible Plan B to cling on to when things don't click. Injuries to Luiz Gustavo, Oscar, Danilo, Marcelo and Diego Alves, meanwhile, have left the squad looking a bit thin. Dani Alves got a recall in place of the injured Danilo, but it remains to be seen how he delivers for his country

The main issue, however, is the continuing over-reliance on Neymar. But if that reduces, even a little bit, opponents may certainly have reasons to worry. (Agencies)