Ronaldinho, Kaka to play for Brazil in Algeria friendly

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-08-08 08:34

Brazil's national men's football team head coach Dunga announced on Tuesday the roster for the friendly match against Algeria on August 22, which includes midfielders Kaka and Ronaldinho, despite their refusal to play the Copa America in the June-July period.

"They missed winning a title for the Brazilian team. But I do not hold any grudge," said the coach, referring to the fact that Brazil won the 2007 Copa America title, beating Argentina 3-0 in the final.

When the team was drafted for the practices in June, Milan's Kaka and Barcelona's Ronaldinho asked to be dismissed from the tournament, arguing that they were tired following a series of championships in Europe, including Germany's World Cup.

At the time, Dunga accepted their decision, but showed to be unhappy by stressing that "wearing Brazil's jersey' should be put first by the players.

The only major Brazilian star who participated in the Copa America was Real Madrid's striker Robinho, who finished as the competition's top scorer, with six goals.

Of the 22 team members who played the Copa America, 16 were drafted for the friendly against the Algerians, which will take place in Montpellier, France.

Following are the entire roster:

goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Internazionale) and Doni (Roma);

wingbacks:

Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Maicon (Internazionale), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin) and Kleber (Santos); defenders Juan (Roma), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Alex Silva (Sao Paulo) and Naldo (Werder Bremen);

Midfielders:

Mineiro (Hertha Berlin), Lucas (Liverpool), Fernando (Bordeaux) and Josue (Sao Paulo); midfielders Diego (Werder Bremen), Elano (Manchester City), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid), Kaka (Milan) and Ronaldinho (Barcelona);

Strikers:

Robinho (Real Madrid), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow) and Rafael Sobis (Betis).

The squad also has another game confirmed on September 12, against Mexico, and one more against Canada, which remains under study. Both are expected to happen in the U.S.

In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Brazil is scheduled to face Colombia on October 14, and Ecuador on October 17.



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