The five-time World Champions have kicked off their long road to Russia 2018 and next up is the old enemy, Argentina
Brazil are set to face historic rivals Argentina on November 12 after the South America footabll federation (Conmebol) confirmed the date and venue of one of the highlights of the international calendar.
The Selecao kicked off their World Cup qualification campaign in October with a fiercely contested 2-0 defeat to South American champions Chile in Santiago.
After an impressive opening 40 minutes in which Dunga's side targeted the spaces in behind la Roja’s wing-backs, a tactical switch from Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli readdressed the balance and, after failing to make the most of their early running, Brazil went down to goals from Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez.
Dunga’s side immediately bounced back, however, with victory over Venezuela in Fortaleza.
Chelesea midfielder Willian was the star of the show, netting twice to give Brazil a 2-0 lead at the break, before veteran striker Ricardo Oliveira made the most of his surprise introduction to the starting line-up by stooping to head a third that sealed the win.
Captain and talisman Neymar was suspended for the Selecao’s opening two matches following his red card against Colombia in the Copa America group stages in June.
The Barcelona attacker will return, however, in November for one of the highlights of the calendar as Dunga takes his side to Buenos Aires and the famous Monumental stadium for a showdown with old rivals Argentina.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi looks set to miss the clash with a knee injury that could keep him out until late November, and Tata Martino’s side desperately missed their star as they opened the qualification process with a surprise 2-0 home defeat to Ecuador.
It was Argentina’s first home defeat since 2009 when Dunga, in his first spell as Brazil coach, led the Selecao to a 3-1 victory in Rosario.
Argentina were then held to a goalless draw away to a dogged Paraguay side, leaving them with just one point from their first two matches.
Brazil will then host Peru on November 17 in Salvador.
Conmebol's marathon qualification process for Russia 2018 begins in October 2015 and closes in October 2017.
Dunga’s side will face every South American team home and away in what has become the most arduous qualification process in the competition’s history following Conmebol’s decision to switch to a single group of 10 teams ahead of World Cup 1998.
Since that change, which provides South American nations with 18 competitive fixtures over a two-year period, the overall standard in the Conmebol region has reached unprecedented heights.
"These players are under a lot of pressure," said coach Dunga.
"Qualifying has always been tough and it will be all the more so this time round, because the other teams have improved and have a lot of players plying their trade in Europe."
The top four teams qualify automatically, with the fifth-placed side facing a two-legged play-off against the first-placed side from the Oceania confederation.
“It’s always been tough in South America but there’s even less to choose between the teams this time around," said former Brazil star Ronaldo at the draw in Russia.
“The qualifiers will provide us with a chance to get a squad together for the World Cup. The players who come out well from the qualifying campaign will be in confident mood for Russia and will make up a solid team.”
Dunga arrives in qualifying with valuable experience of the process, having guided Brazil to a first-place finish to seal their path to South Africa 2010 during his first spell in charge of the Selecao.
He did so with his side as top scorers in the competition (33) and with the meanest defence on the continent, conceding just 11 times in their 18 matches.
Brazil have appeared at every World Cup finals since the competition’s inception in 1930 and are the most successful team in its history, lifting the trophy on five separate occasions.
Brazil's World Cup qualifying fixtures