RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) - Ronaldo will be missing but Edmilson will return to the Brazilian national team for the first time in more than a year as the side plays its final two friendlies this year against the United Arab Emirates and a Kuwaiti select squad.
Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira selected 22 players Thursday for the games Nov. 12 and 15, summoning the base of the team he intends to take to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Nearly all of Brazil's regulars will be there, including Adriano of Italy's Internazionale, Robinho of Real Madrid, Kaka of Milan and FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho of Barcelona. The big absence is Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, who is recovering from an injury to his left ankle. His replacement is Fred, a speedy striker who recently transferred from Cruzeiro to France's Lyon.
A surprise inclusion was defender Edmilson, a mainstay on the Brazilian team that won a record fifth World Cup in Japan in 2002 but who missed eight months after rupturing ligaments in his left knee while playing with Barcelona.
After his injury in October of last year, Edmilson returned to the field with Barcelona in May and has worked his way back into consideration by Parreira.
Edmilson has the advantage of versatility, playing in the midfield for Barcelona but equally comfortable on the back line.
Corinthians left winger Gustavo Nery also was chosen as an understudy for Real Madrid veteran Roberto Carlos. His rival for the reserve spot - Hertha Berlin's Gilberto - was not selected.
The two friendlies are virtually Brazil's last preparation mataches before the Cup. The team plans just one more exhibition game, but the date and the rival have not been determined.
Brazil faces the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 12 and then heads to Kuwait to face the Kuwaiti select squad.
crazy monkey
Brazil trash UAE 8-0
4 straight win $1.60
dragg
you actually wagered?
unbelievable!!
crazy monkey
Originally posted by dragg:
you actually wagered?
unbelievable!!
because no EPL matches
anyway Brazil is quite consistant in exhibition matches and normally win by big scoreline in such matches.