His Brazilian fans loved him for his idiosyncratic personality and unapologetic nationalism. He liked to say he was born with victory at his side and was rarely shy to challenge those who said his teams were too defensive.
The European champions moved to No. 14 in FIFA's latest rankings announced on Wednesday.
Hundreds of Argentines protested in the pouring rain on Saturday, demanding that soccer star Lionel Messi return to Argentina's national team after he unexpectedly quit following a loss in the regional Copa America final.
Brazil climbed up from third place after beating Argentina 3-0 in the Copa America final on Sunday.
Dunga's appointment as Brazil coach after last year's World Cup was greeted with scepticism by many because he had no previous experience.
Argentina beat Mexico 3-0 to set up a meeting with Brazil in the Copa America final.
Aimar and Tevez add to Crespo's brace to give the South Americans a 4-1 win.
Real Madrid will take the Spanish championship for the first time in four years if they beat mid-table Real Mallorca at home on Sunday.
Brazil have added Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista to their Copa America squad after midfielder Ze Roberto quit international football.
Brazil's preliminary Copa America squad includes Germany's Footballer of the Year Diego of Werder Bremen and Real Madrid forward Robinho.
Factbox on the Brazilian, who was named European Footballer of the Year.
No amount of preparation is enough to snuff out the threat of Argentina's "assassin" Lionel Messi, Panama coach Hernan Dario Gomez said ahead of Friday's Copa America clash between the teams. Messi was an unused substitute in Argentina's 2-1 win over holders Chile in their opening Group D match in Santa Clara, California on Monday after a back injury but will reappear when they face Panama in Chicago. "Leo trained normally, he will play," coach Gerardo Martino told a news conference on Thursday. Both sides have three points after Panama marked their first appearance in the world's oldest international tournament with a surprise 2-1 win over Bolivia, who face Chile in Foxborough on Friday.
Such is Argentina's passion for soccer, that the World Cup remains a priority for some, despite a sluggish economy, painful inflation estimated to hit 100% this year and currency controls that push up the price of travelling overseas.
Barcelona must considerably reduce their wage bill in order to keep Lionel Messi, La Liga chief Javier Tebas said on Thursday, adding that the club would not be shown any leniency when it comes to obeying the league's strict financial control rules.
Brazilian police said on Tuesday they had recommended no rape charges against soccer star Neymar, after a woman he met online said he flew her to Paris and assaulted her in a hotel there.
Brazil playmaker Kaka said on Tuesday he is committed to AC Milan and had never asked for a transfer to Spanish champions Real Madrid.
Brazil's players have rejected the idea that Argentina will start as favourites in Sunday's Copa America final.
Brazil coach Dunga praised his team's courage in the face of adversity after they beat Uruguay on penalties following a 2-2 draw in their Copa America semi-final.
Defending champions Brazil will attempt to end a five-match winless run against their smaller neighbours Uruguay when they meet in Tuesday's Copa America semi-final.
Robinho scored a hat-trick to give Brazil a badly-needed 3-0 Copa America win over Chile.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi said defending champions France and Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar as they have a core group of players who have played together for a long time.
Brazil registered a 3-1 win over Bolivia in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
There is only one team in the world which can rest high profile players and still win.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said that all matches at the 2006 World Cup in Germany would be held on natural pitches.
Carlos Tevez scored from a free kick for the second game in a row in a 3-0 win in the Copa America football semi-final.
Messi doesn't need to win a World Cup to prove his greatness, feels iconic former Argentine striker Hernan Crespo.
Mexico will probably be without captain Rafael Marquez when they meet Brazil in Sunday's Confederations Cup clash.
Brazil begin the defence of their crown away to Colombia on Sunday.
Neymar went off injured 12 minutes into Brazil's 1-1 draw with Nigeria in a friendly in Singapore on Sunday.
Ronaldinho, a World Cup winner in 2002 along with Ronaldo, has transformed Barcelona since arriving at the Nou Camp at the beginning of last season from Paris St Germain.
"Our team fulfils our dreams!" and "Where is Messi? We beat him!", the green-clad Saudis chanted over and over in the Lusail Stadium, on their feet and greeting every clearance, including one headed off the goal line with a deafening roar.
Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement with Benfica to sign their Argentina midfielder Nicolas Gaitan for 25 million euros ($28.06 million), the La Liga club said on Thursday. The 28-year-old Gaitan, who is under contract at Benfica until June 2019, is currently with the Argentina squad competing at the Copa America. The deal is subject to a medical.
