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Brazil coach Dunga denies his nose gesture implies Argentina drug use

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Neymar squirts liquid from a water bottle at a teammate during Brazil's training session in Singapore. Photo: Xinhua

Brazil coach Dunga on Monday denied insinuating drug use in the Argentina camp after he was filmed pinching his nose and pointing at the rival bench during the weekend win in Beijing.

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Dunga, questioned over the incident during Brazil's trip to Singapore, said he was making reference to severe pollution in the Chinese capital, which gave players blocked noses.

I never mentioned that the players were using drugs. This kind of statement came from the media
Dunga

Saturday's "Superclasico" friendly was anything but, as a fired-up Brazil won 2-0 to restore pride against their fierce rivals following a poor World Cup campaign on home soil.

"I never mentioned that the players were using drugs. This kind of statement came from the media," Dunga said in Singapore, where Brazil play Japan on Tuesday.

"Maybe it's due to the pollution in China that players had blocked noses all the time."

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Dunga arrives at Changi airport with the Brazil team. Photo: AFP
Dunga arrives at Changi airport with the Brazil team. Photo: AFP

Media interpreted Dunga's repeated gesture as a "cocaine nose", implying drug use. Argentine legend Diego Maradona has endured well-publicised struggles with cocaine.

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