Brazil coach Dunga has claimed that 15 members of his squad were battling with a virus in the week leading up to their Copa America quarter-final loss to Paraguay yesterday.

Paraguay knocked Brazil out of the tournament for the second time in a row, winning 4-3 penalties after the match finished 1-1.

Dunga told reporters: "It's not an excuse, but 15 of our players suffered from a virus this week. We had to limit some training sessions.

"Players suffered from a lot of headaches, back pain and illness - some felt it more than others. We had to reduce the intensity of training to try and help them recover. Some of them were vomiting."

Paraguay will face Argentina on Tuesday for a place in the final.