Dunga says Brazil can improve ahead of World Cup qualifying

SAO PAULO, Brazil: Despite Brazil's friendly victory over the United States, manager Dunga said there is still room to improve before the team begins World Cup qualifying next month.

Dunga said he was satisfied with Brazil's performance in the 4-2 victory against the Americans in Chicago on Sunday, but admitted the team has to get better before the qualifying opener against Colombia on Oct. 14.

"We need to improve in all sectors, we need to start playing better as a group," Dunga told the Brazilian soccer confederation Web site late Sunday night.

Dunga said the lack of time to train together keeps the team from reaching its full potential. Brazil had only one training session before facing the United States, and it will have only another one before the friendly against Mexico on Wednesday in Boston.

The match against Mexico will be Brazil's last before the South American qualifying tournament begins.

"We don't have a lot of time to practice," the former player said. "In soccer, group unity can only be achieved with a lot of repetition."

Brazil won four of its seven friendlies this year, losing only to Portugal. The five-time world champions also won the Copa America, beating Argentina 3-0 in the final.

The Brazilians allowed an early goal to the United States at Soldier Field on Sunday, but rallied behind performances from Ronaldinho, Robinho and Kaka.

Kaka said Brazil is on the right track ahead of qualifying, adding the team likely will take advantage of the extra time it will have together in the coming months.

"We will practice for almost a week before the matches," he said. "That should improve the team's condition."

Ronaldinho also was upbeat, saying the team will be able to continue its progression with Dunga in command and that he will become even more comfortable with the manager.

"I'm feeling well, having a better understanding of what Dunga wants," Ronaldinho said.