Brazil coach Dunga calls for calm

Brazil coach Dunga and Neymar

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Brazil coach Dunga says his side cannot allow themselves to be provoked as Neymar was sent off during the 1-0 Copa America defeat against Colombia.

Colombia defender Jeison Murillo grabbed the only goal of the game nine minutes before half time but the encounter will be remembered for the sending off of Neymar.

The Barcelona forward had already been booked when he was shown the red card after the final whistle for kicking the ball at an opponent.

The incident then sparked ugly scenes as players from both sides got involved in a melee, which also resulted in a red card for Colombia’s Carlos Bacca.

“Colombia showed that it is a very experienced team,” Dunga said.

“Our players at times got caught in their provocations and forgot to play football. Brazil has to play football. Brazil can’t go to war, we have to focus on what we do best, which is play football.”

Brazil had chances to equalise with Roberto Firmino wasting the best of them when blasting the ball over from close range with the goal gaping.

The result leaves Colombia and Brazil tied at the top of the group along with Venezuela, who play Peru on Thursday.

Brazil could have secured a spot in the quarter-finals with a win over Colombia, but now their progress rests on how they do against Venezuela on Sunday.

Brazil are priced at 4.50 to win the Copa America, with Argentina 2.70 favourites and Chile 4.33.

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