"If I can make a contribution, I will be very happy," Jose Oscar Bernardi told loadedpals.com after being announced as the latest addition to the background team of Brazil boss Dunga. "I appreciate the confidence of the coach and hope that my experience can bring something to the group."
The 60-year-old should not have any trouble relating to the players, at least. As a member of Brazil's spectacular but unsuccessful 1982 World Cup squad, Oscar knows a thing or two about dealing with crushing disappointment.
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The former defender played in three tournaments in total but will forever be associated with the side that thrilled the watching world with their scintillating displays of attacking football in Spain - before they were stunned by Italy in the second round.
Paolo Rossi did the damage, netting a famous hat-trick in a 3-2 win. Italy, of course, would go on to win the World Cup, while Tele Santana's men have gone down in history as one of the greatest sides never to lift the trophy.
The Azzurri defeat left an indelible mark on Brazilian football, as underlined by the fact that Rossi named his autobiography 'I made Brazil cry'. There were tears, too, after this year's World Cup, with the Selecao seeing their hopes of winning the tournament on home soil for the first time dashed by a devastating 7-1 semi-final loss to eventual champions Germany. A subsequent 3-0 loss to Netherlands in the third-placed play-off arguably left Brazil's national team at their lowest ebb since 1982, or arguably even the 'Maracanaza' of 1950.
It seems fitting, then, that Dunga has called upon Oscar to aid the likes of David Luiz and Thiago Silva, who this week admitted that he remains mentally scarred by the catastrophic conclusion to his country's World Cup campaign.
The former Ponte Preta and Sao Paulo defender has only been appointed on a temporary basis but he is determined to make an impact, both from a tactical and psychological perspective.
"I want to help somehow," he is quoted as saying byLance!after linking up with the squad for the Gillette Brasil Global Tour friendlies with Turkey and Austria.
"I would like to collaborate on some details as I do not want to just come here for a holiday."
As a man who earned 67 international caps, Oscar should certainly command the respect of the group. Indeed, he feels it is no coincidence that Dunga has called upon so many former Selecao stars, such as Mauro Silva, Edu and Taffarel, to help him restore both pride and confidence to the national team.
"Dunga has displayed a certain humility in opening the door for former players," the Monte Siao native pointed out. "I believe that anyone can go there in confidence and contribute something to the group."
Oscar may not be there for the long haul but if he helps the likes of Thiago Silva get over the World Cup, he will certainly have done his bit.
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