Ronaldinho's absence cost Brazil dear: Branco

Brazil could have fared differently in this year's FIFA World Cup, had Ronaldinho been there in the team, feels former World Cupper Branco. 

"I would have preferred Ronaldinho and three other players in the team who could have made much difference in South Africa.... The three players were Adriano, Gancho and Hernanes," said Branco, a member of Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning squad. 

Ronaldinho was a member of the 30-member provisional squad that was submitted to the FIFA, but the striker was not included in the final-23 by coach Dunga. 

Branco, a left-back, had played in 1994 World Cup under the captaincy of Dunga, who was the coach of the side in South Africa this year. 

Asked who would be the Brazil coach now, Branco said, "It is difficult to say. There are quite a few persons who were able to do the job. I hope the Brazilian soccer federation select the coach and start preparation for various tournaments including the 2014 World Cup as early as possible." 

He said Dunga's team had very few young players and many of them would not be there in the next edition in Brazil.

Branco came here as the head coach of the soccer reality show 'The Match' to begin from July 19. Another Brazilian football great Romario would also join him for the programme.

Former India player and coach Subhas Bhowmick and Branco would train 48 budding players of Bengal to select final eleven which will then play against Mohun Bagan.