Brazil coach Dunga has issued an apology after making a comparison about the criticism he receives to the persecution of black people in his home country.

The former World Cup-winning midfielder sparked controversy during a press conference ahead of his side's quarter-final clash with Paraguay on Saturday, by comparing the criticism he faces to the long history of racism in Brazil.

Dunga told reporters: "We were bad but lucky in some games and in others we were good but with bad luck. The team went 40 years without a Copa America and 24 years without the World Cup.

"I guess I'm of African descent because everyone likes to hit me, and how much I like to be hit. These guys look out for me and say, 'Let's hit that guy over there', and then they start to hit me. Without caring, without anything."

Shortly after the press conference, Dunga issued an apology via the Brazilian Football Federation's website after sparking outrage on social media.

"I want to apologise to all those who could have felt offended with my comment about Afro-descendents. The way I expressed myself does not reflect my feelings or opinions," he wrote.

Brazil face Paraguay in the last eight of the competition on Saturday.