Expectations back in Brazil were not exactly high heading into the country's Copa America Centenario opener against Ecuador, but even so this was a performance that failed to capture the imagination.
Were it not for an incredibly close call from the referee's assistant, the Selecao may have even crashed to an embarrassing defeat.
Alisson, the Internacional keeper, spilled Miler Bolaños' low cross into his own net, but his blushes were spared by a flag on the nearside. For a country known to hound its goalkeepers in adversity, it may have signalled the end of 23-year-old's career. But he, like his teammates, live to fight another day. Just about.
Dunga, increasingly unpopular in his homeland and under pressure to deliver success nearly two years into his second spell in charge, did at least send his team out with something approaching attacking intent. Were it not for a fine save by Esteban Dreer, Coutinho would have given his side the lead early on. The Liverpool playmaker later blasted a presentable chance over the bar, and while it looked as though the hosts were making strides, their attacking threat soon dried up.
Ecuador sits second of the Conmebol World Cup qualifiers only on goal difference, and has proven stubborn opposition over the past few months. It did not take the game to Brazil but posed a threat on the counter: indeed, it was its own sloppiness, rather than the Selecao's defensive capabilities, that ensured the side did not carve out a clear-cut chance.
Dunga used the forward thinking Renato Augusto as his deepest lying midfielder in last week's friendly against Haiti, and it was taken as a sign by some that the embattled coach is throwing caution to the wind at long last.
That may well be the case, as he sent Paris Saint-Germain flyer Lucas Moura and Santos' 19-year-old sensation Gabriel, or Gabigol, into the fray in search of victory. They, though, could not conjure up the decisive goal.
It may appear an over simplification to cast your mind to the players Dunga has shunned during his turbulent rein, but there is no question that Firmino or Oscar would have added to this team's attacking unit, or that Fernandinho would have performed better than the cumbersome Elias, or that David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Marcelo are huge figures for their country.
Leaving that kind of talent at home may come back to haunt disciplinarian Dunga, who has also binned off the team's psychologist in his time at the helm.
It probably says it all about this match that Neymar's exploits in a private box will grab most of the morning headlines. Bolaños' ghost goal provided the drama on the pitch but Neymar, flanked by A-listers Justin Bieber, Jamie Foxx and Lewis Hamilton, dominated the social media game with his selfies.
But if the readers of OK magazine were satisfied, the Brazil fans most certainly were not. Loud boos greeted the final whistle.
Brazil will have easier matches than this - Haiti and Peru are up next - but cannot take anything for granted these days. This team has a lot of work to do but there are few signs it can live up to even the current low levels of expectation. - Goal