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Adriano recalled for Cup qualifiers
The Brazilian striker is in the national squad for just the second time since 2006.
Last Modified: 16 May 2008 03:50 GMT

Adriano finds himself in the Brazil jersey once again, after good form with Sao Paulo [GALLO/GETTY]

Adriano, Brazilian striker, has been recalled for his country's 2010 World Cup qualifying matches next month, receiving only his second national call up since the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Adriano has been included in Brazil's 25-man squad for their matches away to Paraguay in Asuncion on June 15 and at home to arch-rivals Argentina in Belo Horizonte on June 18.
Paraguay lead the 10-team South American qualifying group with 10 points from four matches, one point ahead of Argentina and two ahead of Brazil.

Dunga, Brazil national coach, will use the same squad for friendlies against Canada in Seattle on May 31 and Venezuela in Boston on June 6, although Adriano will miss out on these matches due to club commitments with Sao Paulo.

"His footballing talent was never in doubt. He deserves to return to the national team."

Dunga, Brazil coach,
on striker Adriano
The 26-year-old, who was plagued by physical and reported alcohol problems last year, has rediscovered his form since joining Sao Paulo on loan from Italian champions Inter Milan in December, scoring 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.

"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."

Ronaldinho omitted

In other team news, there was no place for troubled forward Ronaldinho, who has been out of action with Barcelona because of fitness and weight problems, while AC Milan pair Kaka and Alexandre Pato were included in the squad.

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

"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."

Dunga added that he wanted Kaka to take part in the Olympic Games as an over-age player but said the final decision rested with AC Milan, who are not obliged to release the playmaker for the tournament.

The national coach also asked for patience with 18-year-old Pato, who scored a stunning goal against Sweden on his international debut after coming on as a substitute.

"I want to protect Pato as much as possible and I can't put the expectations of millions of people on his shoulders," Dunga said.

"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."

Source:
Agencies
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