Durban - Brazil coach Dunga on Thursday lamented the exit of hosts South Africa from the World Cup, saying their continued presence would have been a boost for the country.

Despite beating France 2-1 in their final group game, the Bafana Bafana were eliminated after only managing a third-place finish behind Uruguay and Mexico.

It was the first time a host nation had failed to qualify for the round of 16 phase.

"I'm saddened by the fact that South Africa have been eliminated," Dunga said.

"They are the host country and coached by Carlos Alberto Parreira, who's from Brazil and was also my coach in 1994 (when Brazil won the World Cup).

"Given the enthusiasm of South African fans, it would have been great news if the Bafana Bafana had gone through to the last 16."

Brazil have already qualified for the second round and wrap up their Group G campaign against Portugal here on Friday.

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