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SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -Desperately needing a victory, Brazil will focus on attack when it meets Chile in Sunday's World Cup qualifier.
Coach Dunga has hinted he will use Robinho, Luis Fabiano and Ronaldinho in the starting lineup for the crucial match in Santiago, after the team failed to score in its last two qualifiers.
Brazil is only fifth in South American qualifying with nine points from six matches, and only the top four will automatically qualify for the 2010 tournament in South Africa. A loss could drop the five-time world champion to seventh place in the 10-team standings.
During Friday's final practice in Rio de Janeiro before traveling to Chile, the squad had a scrimmage with Robinho, Ronaldinho and Luis Fabiano in the same team, leaving Diego with the role of playmaker. The trio of forwards had already practiced together on Thursday.
"It felt good to play in the attack again," Ronaldinho said. "I've played in this position many times before so I don't think we will have any problems. We have many players with a lot of quality."
Dunga has usually used Ronaldinho at midfield, but may opt to use him as a forward in hopes of gaining more scoring power. Brazil is coming off a 0-0 home draw against Argentina and a 2-0 loss to Paraguay in its latest qualifiers, in addition to a 2-0 defeat to Venezuela in a friendly.
The nation's Olympic team, which was coached by Dunga and included Ronaldinho and Diego but not Robinho and Luis Fabiano, earned the bronze medal in China. It missed out on its first gold by losing 3-0 to Argentina in the semifinals.
"It's a good tactic to play with three strikers," said Robinho, who will be playing his first match with the national team since transferring from Spain's Real Madrid to England's Manchester City. "With the players we have, Brazil always has to be aggressive."
With the extra forward, Dunga will use only two defensive midfielders, who will likely be Gilberto Silva and Josue.
A good performance will be crucial for Dunga, who has his job on the line because of the recent results. He is being heavily pressured by local media and fans, and another setback could prompt the Brazilian football federation to replace him. Even President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the Brazilian team recently.
Brazilian media is already touting Palmeiras' Vanderlei Luxemburgo as his successor.
Dunga is without AC Milan star Kaka, who is still recovering from a lingering knee injury. Brazil, the only team to have qualified to all World Cups, will host Bolivia next Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro.
Midfielder Lucas is suspended from Sunday's match because of a red card during the Olympics. Defender Juan is likely out with a muscle injury, but all other players will be available.
