Kaka set for Brazil return in Venezuela
Reuters - Friday 10 October 2008, 14:26
SAN CRISTOBAL, Venezuela - World Player of
the Year Kaka is set to make his first Brazil appearance in 11
months when they visit Venezuela for a World Cup qualifier on
Sunday.
A series of nagging injuries have prevented Kaka from
representing his country and also raised questions over his
commitment to the national side, especially as they followed his
request to skip last year's Copa America.
The AC Milan player was criticised in Brazil over the timing
of a knee operation in May, which took place immediately after
the end of the Italian season but prevented him from playing in
the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Argentina in June.
His last international was in the 2-1 win over Uruguay last
November.
Brazil have sorely missed Kaka's presence, winning only one
of their last four World Cup qualifiers and failing to score in
the other three.
Their problems culminated in a dismal 0-0 draw at home to
Bolivia last month, which increased the pressure on beleaguered
coach Dunga.
Striker Robinho said that Kaka's presence would have a
knock-on effect, giving team mates more freedom on the pitch.
"Any team which knows that they are facing Kaka will respect
us. I think they'll be more worried, not just with him but the
others," he said. "I hope it gives me more space to play in."
Brazil's unhappy run began with a stunning 2-0 defeat to
Venezuela in a friendly in Boston in June, ending a 100 percent
record against their northern neighbours.
Venezuela have also struggled since then, taking only one
out of their last 12 points in the qualifiers, although they
have won low-key friendlies against Netherlands Antilles and
Syria.
The only South American country never to have played at a
World Cup, Venezuela have dropped to eighth in the 10-team group
with seven points from eight games.
Brazil, despite their poor run, are second with 13, but have
slipped four points behind leaders Paraguay.
Probable teams:
Venezuela: Rafael Dudamel; Roberto Rosales, Pedro Boada,
Jose Manuel Rey, Jorge Vargas; Miguel Mea Vitali, Franklin
Lucena, Alejandro Guerra, Ronald Vargas; Juan Arango, Giancarlo
Maldonado
Brazil: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Kleber; Gilberto
Silva, Josue, Elano, Kaka; Robinho, Adriano
Referee: Victor Rivera (Peru)
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