THE thought of Brazil playing even better than they have been should strike fear into anyone, particularly Bafana Bafana and their legions of fans.

THE thought of Brazil playing even better than they have been should strike fear into anyone, particularly Bafana Bafana and their legions of fans.

But that is exactly what Brazil coach Dunga called for, minutes after the Concacaf champions had sent Italy packing 3-0.

The result set up a semifinal date with hosts Bafana Bafana on Thursday at Ellis Park. Judging by how the Azzuri - who are world champions - were mauled, it is hard to comprehend how Lucio and his troops could possibly get better.

"We have a lot of work to do - we can still learn and improve and perfect our game," Dunga said.

The 1994 World Cup winner swept aside suggestions that this will be a showdown between the master and his apprentice - Bafana coach Carlos Santana coached Dunga at some point .

"This is a match between the Brazil players and Bafana Bafana, not me and Santana," said Dunga.

"Santana is one of the great and most competent mentors in Brazil. I am aware that they are building their team up but I also know that they are focused and physically strong, so we have to be careful."

Players such as Benfica's Ramires and Maicon of Inter Milan have been revelations so far in the tournament, holding their own alongside the more celebrated figures of Robinho and Kaka.

"We have been able to adapt our game to suit the conditions so far in this tournament. For instance, in the our match with the US, we used Miranda because of his pace. But against the Italians, we went with Luisao because of his height," Dunga said.