Brazil - Ronaldinho and Kaka will return to Brazil's national team
for a friendly against Algeria at the end of the month in France. Coach Dunga summoned the duo plus 20 others for the match on August 22 in Montpellier.
Kaka and Ronaldinho skipped the Copa America won by Brazil last month to take vacation following the European season.
"Our job is to do what is best for the national team. We need to
summon the players who we feel are the best for the team," Dunga said. Dunga made other four changes from the squad that won the
South American championship in Venezuela, adding goalkeeper Julio
Cesar, defender Lucio, midfielder Lucas and striker Rafael Sobis.
Among those not called for the friendly were Helton, Alex, Gilberto Silva, Anderson, Afonso and Fred.
"We tried to maintain a base," Dunga said. "But the national
team is open to everyone and all players will have a chance to return
in the future. Those who were summoned need to take advantage of every
minute to deserve another chance." It will be Brazil's 12th friendly since Dunga replaced Carlos
Alberto Parreira after the team's World Cup quarter-final elimination
in France. Brazil have won seven games, lost one and drawn three under
Dunga. Brazil have beaten Algeria in all three games between the two, including in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
"The Algerian team plays compact and uses speed on
counter-attacks," Dunga said. "But against Brazil they'll certainly
play differently, as every team does." The Brazilian soccer confederation also announced Brazil will
play Mexico on September 12 in Boston. Brazil also may face Canada at a
location and a date still to be determined. Brazil and Mexico have played 30 times, with the Brazilians
winning 18 matches and Mexico winning six, including their last two
meetings: at the 2005 Confederations Cup and in the Copa America in
June. Since winning the Copa America last month, Brazil have turned
their attention to World Cup qualifying that begins in October. Brazil
will debut against Colombia and then will face Ecuador, Peru and
Uruguay. "We will play two friendlies in September before the
qualifying matches, we have to take advantage of these opportunities
and keep the national team active," supervisor Americo Faria said.
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