Brazil in the World Cup 2010

Many people wonder the reasons why coach Dunga wouldn’t take Ronaldinho to the World Cup in South Africa.

A short video, which has been gaining popularity in Brazil, may have some explanations (even though Dunga, for obvious reasons, deny it – read this Dunga interview about his reasons).

In the southern  State of Rio Grande do Sul, one of the most developed in Brazil, Gremio and Internacional are the most popular teams. Gremio and Inter have a very fierce competition; both were already champions of the Brazilian league and champions of the World Clubs championship.

Matches between these teams are called Gre x Nal and are eagerly awaited by the rooters. For most rooters, winning Gre x Nal is more important than winning the league. Players are aware of that, and give their blood to have a memorable performance at Gre x Nal.

The video below shows a Gre x Nal, June 20th 1999, final match of the State league of that year.

The young boy of Gremio (in blue) who seems to want to humiliate the adversary is Ronaldinho, at the time still called Ronaldinho Gaucho. And the humiliated man in red is Dunga, who was finishing his career in Inter.

Gremio won that match by 1 x 0, goal by Ronaldinho; in the Brazilian wikipedia, the match was coined Gre x Nal of Ronaldinho Gaucho.

Rumors go that Dunga never forgot that day, and remembers it every time he has the announce a new Brazil roster.