By DPA
Puerto La Cruz (Venezuela) : Brazil coach Dunga has admitted that regional archrival Argentina are the top favourite at the Copa America football tournament that starts here Tuesday.
"It is normal that they make Argentina the favourite. It is a country with a substantial (football) tradition and it brings all its best players. (Being the favourites) is an advantage that they deserve," Dunga told reporters.
Speaking at a press conference Friday in the Venezuelan town of Puerto La Cruz, Dunga was reflecting on disparities between the football giants.
Brazil is defending its title in Venezuela in a transitional phase, without veterans like Cafu, Roberto Carlos or Ronaldo, and without current stars Ronaldinho and Kaka, who asked to be exempt in order to rest.
Argentina, in turn, will be commanded by teenager Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme, but will also have its first-choice squad including Gabriel Heinze, Roberto Ayala, Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez and Hernan Crespo.
However, Dunga noted that the tournament would put everyone in their place.
"Roles are one thing, but then you have to take that into the pitch. I know Argentina is coming with all its starting line-up, but matches have to be solved on the pitch," he said.
"Argentina has a team with great quality, like Brazil, like Ecuador. But at the time of playing tradition is left aside," Dunga added.