By Tim Vickery South American football reporter

Dunga was a vocal Brazil captain

The appointment of Dunga as Brazil's new coach signifies a change in direction for the world's most successful footballing nation.

As Carlos Alberto Parreira and his academic approach make way, in comes a man who angrily stomped his way through three World Cups as a midfield enforcer.

Even more than his ability to anchor the midfield, it was his fists clenched, tongue-wagging strength of leadership that made him stand out and it is this capacity which has proved decisive in his surprise elevation to his new position.

At 42, with no previous coaching experience, Dunga's appointment is proof that nothing dates like the recent past.

After their World Cup failure Brazil have opted for a radical change of style with Parreira consigned to history.

As Brazil struggled to turn on the magic in Germany their home public became increasingly impatient with Parreira's low profile personality. To many he came across as a blase, passive figure, sitting on the touchline with his arms folded.

They wanted Luiz Felipe Scolari, giving his own private show on the edge of the pitch, kicking every ball and transmitting passion to his players.

But Scolari was unavailable, so the Brazilian FA have turned to the next best thing - a high profile ex-player who stands for the same kind of values.

Like Scolari, Dunga is from the Rio Grande do Sul in the south of the giant country. People from this state - known as Gauchos - are the Yorkshiremen of Brazil, plain speaking, no-nonsense believers in the virtues of hard work.

A few days before his appointment Dunga confessed that he 'would have similarities with Big Phil [Scolari], since we both place a high value on playing collectively, and on forming a united and motivated group'.

From his point of view, Parreira's team in the World Cup 'lacked a bit of collective spirit. When the group is solid, individual talent tips the balance. But when there is no collectiveness, then individualism goes down the drain together with the group'.

There is an element of playing to the gallery in Dunga's appointment. The Brazilian FA have protected themselves by giving the people what they want.

But a clear headed analysis of Brazil's current situation would conclude that an injection of passion will not be sufficient. There are other areas which need to be re-examined.

Dunga lifted the World Cup as Brazil captain in 1994

Brazil have had a wonderful run of success, but the model that produced it is starting to look a little tired and predictable.

For example, Brazil have been using the forward bursts of the full-backs not as elements of surprise, but as a systematic part of their attacking play.

Increasingly their opponents have learned to block their runs and attack the space they leave behind them.

The tactic has also altered the balance of the central midfielders' tasks; now they cover the full-backs' advances whereas previously they took more responsibility for setting moves in motion.

Brazil certainly suffered in Germany from a lack of imaginative passing in the midfield. These, then, are serious tactical problems for a novice coach to face.

Dunga will have to deal with them, rebuild an ageing side and still win - a tall order for the most experienced of coaches.

He is ready and willing to pick up the burden of one of football's most demanding jobs.

Will he prove able? That remains to be seen.