Adriano earns recall to Brazil 2010 bid

May 16, 2008

Adriano has been given a surprise recall by Brazil coach Dunga ahead of next month’s FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 qualifiers - only his second callup to the national team since the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany.

The 26-year-old forward, once one of the most feared strikers in the world is included in the 25 man Brasilian squad for two crucial matches away to Paraguay on June 15 and a home match with bitter rivals Argentina in Belo Horizonte three days later.

It’s an important week for Brazil, with Paraguay currently top of the 10-team South American qualifying section, one point ahead of Argentina and two ahead of Brazil.

Adriano is currently on loan with Sao Paolo, where he has started to regain his form after an alcohol and injury plagured spell at Inter Milan last season. Since joining Sao Paolo in December, he has scored 16 goals in all competitions.

“Everyone knows his potential and he has shown great willpower and capability to come back,” Dunga told reporters. “His footballing talent was never in doubt. He deserves to return to the national team. Great players like important games. That’s where we see their potential.”

“He has been under a lot of pressure for a long time and a striker gets back his form by scoring goals. We have been watching him and hoping for his recovery,” the coach added.

The most notable absentee from the Brazil squad is fallen hero Ronaldinho, who has not played for Barcelona in some time due to fitness and weight problems.

Dunga asked for understanding for Ronaldinho, saying his recent problems should not cloud his previous years with Barcelona.

“There’s a lot of sensationalism with Ronaldinho,” said Dunga. “He gave Barcelona back their soul, winning important titles. Now we have to leave him in peace so he can get back his form. We know we can count on him in the future.”

AC Milan duo Kaka and Alexandre Pato are included in the squad however however despite Pato marking his international debut last month with a stunning goal against Sweden, Dunga has called for calm over the teenage prodigy.

“I want to protect Pato as much as possible and I can’t put the expectations of millions of people on his shoulders,” said Dunga. “Things have to happen naturally. We have to deposit confidence in him, give him incentives. There’s no point in doing things in a hurry, we have to let him play his football.”

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Diego Alves (Almeria)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Maicon (Inter Milan), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Kleber (Santos), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Alex Costa (Chelsea), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica)

Midfielders: Elano (Manchester City), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg), Anderson (Manchester United), Diego (Werder Bremen), Kaka (AC Milan)

Forwards: Adriano (Sao Paulo), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Rafael Sobis (Real Betis), Robinho (Real Madrid)

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