Dunga says he has no thoughts of quitting

By Brian Homewood

BEIJING (Reuters) - Brazil coach Dunga said he had no thoughts of quitting after his team's bid to win a first Olympic gold medal ended in a 3-0 defeat against arch-rivals Argentina on Tuesday.

"We are going to carry on with the same work I've been doing since my arrival," said Dunga, who coaches the senior side but also agreed to take charge of the Olympic team as well.

"Of course, the pressure and the questions will increase but I have enough confidence in what I am doing to carry on with the job," he said.

Brazilian commentators believe Dunga could eventually suffer the same fate as Vanderlei Luxemburgo, fired as senior coach after his Olympic team lost in the quarter-finals in Sydney eight years ago.

The Olympic tournament is restricted to under-23 teams with three over-age players allowed per side.

"It's at this sort of moment that we see how people react," said Dunga, whose team must travel to Shanghai to face Belgium in Friday's bronze medal match.

"We won the Copa America (in 2007) and today we lost and that is the life of the sportsman. We have to have the strength to react.

Dunga said he saw a bright future in the team for Ronaldinho, who made little impact on Tuesday after being included as an over-age player.

Ronaldinho, who had a miserable last season with Barcelona, had hoped to use the Olympics as a springboard for reviving his career.

"Without doubt, he has a future. He was always an example. It's not just about what happens on the pitch," said Dunga.

"It was only to be expected that he wouldn't be at his best at the Olympics. He has a bright future ahead and I'm sure he will give us much pleasure and satisfaction."

(Editing by Ralph Gowling)