Kaka returns to Brazil squad
AGENCIES, RIO DE JANEIRO
AGENCIES, RIO DE JANEIRO: Kaka has been recalled to the Brazil squad for next months friendly double-header against the United States and Costa Rica, while Neymar is included but Thiago Silva is dropped.
The 33-year-old Orlando City playmaker Kaka becomes the first player based in Major League Soccer to be called up by Brazil as coach Dunga makes a host of changes to his squad after a disappointing Copa America.
Kaka is a reference, like Robinho before him, Dunga told reporters. He gives us experience and maturity when times are difficult, when we need it off the field and on.
We need to bring in young players to give them experience and have older players there to help them, he added.
Barcelona star Neymar is named in the squad despite currently suffering from a bout of the mumps and being banned for the Selecaos first two 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela in October.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Lucas, Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista, and Zenits Hulk were
also recalled, while young Santos midfielder Lucas Lima was selected for the first time.
Former captain Thiago Silva and Liverpools Philippe Coutinho were among those dropped for matches Dunga will use to help him decide on his team for Brazils first two World Cup qualifiers in October.
Dunga highlighted the need for youth and experience and said Kaka, who has played well for the Florida club since joining last year, will help the younger members of the squad.
Kaka is a reference, like Robinho before him, Dunga told reporters. He gives us experience and maturity when times are difficult, when we need it off the field and on.
We need to bring in young players to give them experience and have older players there to help them, he added.
After winning 10 friendlies in a row under Dunga, Brazil lost their second group game in the Copa America to Colombia and were then knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Brazil play Costa Rica in New Jersey on Sept. 5 and then head to Foxborough to face the United States three days later.
They open their World Cup qualifying campaign away to Copa America champions Chile in October.
Their first two home games will be against Venezuela in Fortaleza in October and Peru in Salvador in November, officials announced.
Brazil will play Costa Rica in New Jersey on September 5 and the United States three days later in Boston, Massachusetts.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio), Alisson (Internacional)
Defenders: David Luiz, Marquinhos (both Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal/ENG), Joao Miranda (Inter Milan/ITA), Douglas Santos (Atletico Mineiro), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Danilo (Real Madrid/ESP), Daniel Alves (Barcelona/ESP)
Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg/GER), Fernandinho (Manchester City/ENG), Elias (Corinthians), Lucas Lima (Santos), Ramires, Oscar, Willian (all Chelsea/ENG), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool/ENG), Kaka (Orlando City/USA)
Forwards: Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich/GER), Neymar (Barcelona/ESP), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg/RUS), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool/ENG), Lucas (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA).
