12 cities to host World Cup in Brazil

Soccer's governing body agreed to increase from 10 to 12 the number of Brazilian cities that will host the 2014 World Cup.

Brazil's soccer federation said Friday it persuaded FIFA to make the change because of the size of the country.

According to the O Globo newspaper, five of the 18 potential host cities that will definitely stage World Cup games are: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia and Porto Alegre.

The northeastern cities of Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador and Curitiba in the south are "almost certain" sites, the newspaper said. It added that the remaining three cities will be chosen from Manaus, Belem, Cuiaba, Goiania, Campo Grande and Florianpolis.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2008-12-26-804270844_x.htm

Soccer-Same old story for unhappy Brazil

Brazil's goalless draw to Colombia in their World Cup qualifier brought a predictably angry reaction from the media on Thursday, although they stopped short of calling for the head of coach Dunga.

The match was almost a replica of the previous month's stalemate with Bolivia, with Brazil lacking the ideas to break down defensive but unambitious opponents.

Brazil were jeered off the field after what is expected to be their last match of the campaign at the Maracana stadium and Dunga, a former hard-tackling midfielder in his playing days, was insulted by the crowd.

"The Maracana won't miss them," said the influential daily O Globo.

"As boring as a party political broadcast," added the Jornal dos Sports. "No shine and no class. Just like Dunga's football when he was player."

The sports daily Lance said: "Brazil were a team with no creativity and no solutions for breaking down an opposition which was based on tactical application."

Curiously, Brazil have won their last two away games in the group, scoring seven goals in the process. But in those matches, opponents Chile and Venezuela, encouraged by home advantage, opened up and left space for Brazil's lethal counterattacks.

Dunga, however, has been unable to adapt Brazil's style to deal with teams who shut up shop.

Strangely, he kept the same formation for Wednesday's game with Kaka in midfield along with three tackling specialists in Gilberto Silva, Jose and Elano.

Despite their inconsistent form, Brazil are second in the 10-team South American group with 17 points from 10 games and should easily maintain their 100 percent attendance record at the World Cup finals.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKLG53269320081016?sp=true

Soccer-Milan's Ronaldinho excited to play with Kaka

Brazil forward Ronaldinho said he was mostly looking forward to teaming up again with compatriot Kaka as he was unveiled as an AC Milan player on Thursday.

The San Siro was almost half full to welcome the 28-year-old, who wore a Milan kit as he waved to the crowd from the pitch.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has said the former Barcelona man will probably play alongside Kaka in a Christmas tree formation with a main striker just ahead of them.

It is not just the Rossoneri fans and their coach drooling over the idea.

"I will be exciting to play with Kaka. He is among the best in the world. He is also a friend, in the national team we play well together," said Ronaldinho, who unlike Kaka is being allowed by the club to play at next month's Olympics.

"Every player dreams of playing for Milan. It is a special emotion and I hope to bring happiness to all the fans."

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKL1725037620080717

Bayer get their Brazilian

Bayer Leverkusen have signing 20-year-old midfielder Renato Soares de Oliveira Augusto from Brazilian outfit Flamengo.

Leverkusen had been searching for a new midfielder in Brazil for several weeks and they are happy with their capture, even if he was harder to sign than expected.

"They were very difficult and complex negotiations with Flamengo and a lot of praise goes to our general manager Michael Reschke who was able to conclude the transfer," said Bayer business manager Wolfgang Holzhauser on the club's website.

Renato Augusto has signed a five-year deal with the Bundesliga side, joining for an undisclosed fee, and will join his new team-mates next week.

He becomes the first Brazilian at the club since Roque Junior left in 2006.

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,3033_3803266,00.html

Pato - We Could Use Kakà in Beijing

Brazil’s 18-year-old starlet wishes his idol and AC Milan team-mate, Ricardo Kakà, were traveling to Beijing with him to participate in the Olympic Games.

Brazilian youngster Alexandre Pato, who joined AC Milan in January from SC Internacional for €22million, has spoke about Brazil’s national coach Carlos Dunga and his Olympic mission one month before the games get under way.

“Those who criticize Dunga don’t know what a great manager he is,” he said. “At the moment, however, I am entirely focused on the Olympics - it’s the dream of every player.”

Pato expressed delight over the presence of Ronaldinho in Brazil’s Olympic squad, but wishes Kakà were there too: “This experience will be all the more special for me because I will play alongside Ronaldinho. Kakà? He would have been important for Brazil. He wasn’t able to come because of his age and because Milan wasn’t obligated to let him come.”

Brazil will compete in the competition’s Group C against hosts China, New Zealand and Belgium.

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=770299

Confirmed: Kaka misses Olympic Games

AC Milan confirmed through a statement they won't release Kaka to take part of next Olympic Games; instead, they did release Alexandre Pato and Rodrigo Digao.

AC Milan ratified through a new statement (they issued a statement last May) their refusal to release Brazilian player Kaka to be part of upcoming Olympic Games.

This way, the player ruled out the team owner Silvio Berlusconi, who said he was not going to China because he was tired.

Last May, AC Milan stated through counselor Adriano Galliani that they will "never" release Kaka to join Brazil Olympic team since he is above 23 for he needs a permission from the team.

Conversely, the Milan-based team did release U-23 players Alexander Pato and Rodrigo Digao.

http://www.sportsya.com/english/news.php/Kaka_will_miss_next_Olympic_Games_but_Alexander_Pato_Rodrigo_Digao_will_go.html?id_estruc=283&id=182082

Kaka still experiencing pain after knee surgery, expects to be fit by mid-July

AC Milan's playmaker Kaka says he is still in pain after undergoing knee surgery, but that he's on track to rejoin the Serie A team to prepare for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old Brazilian, who is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery in Rio de Janeiro on May 23, made a short trip to Milan to film a commercial, Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport reported Tuesday.

"I'm doing physiotherapy and I am satisfied," Kaka told Gazzetta. "The knee still hurts a bit, but I am sure it will improve soon."

Kaka said he would be fit by July 16, when Milan will assemble to begin training for the next season. Due to the surgery, the player was dropped from Brazil's team for two World Cup qualifiers last month.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/01/sports/EU-SOC-Kaka-Knee-Surgery.php

São Paulo Want Hernanes Future Resolved

São Paulo are unhappy that Barcelona will not make a final push to sign Hernanes or leave him alone because they believe the speculation is unsettling him.

The highly-rated midfielder starred in Brazil's pre-Olympic Games encounter against a Rio de Janeiro select side and is set to travel to Beijing for the tournament in August.

Before then, however, Barça's interest has caused him unrest and since making a second offer of €12m that was refused, the Blaugrana have not made contact.

"I know that it is very that people keep saying he could be going and nothing is decided," bemoaned São Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho, Sport report.

"I just hope that a firm offer arrives so that he can go abroad, but it is making him dizzy that he is being told one thing and then another."

The Brazilian club have insisted that they will not accept less than €25m for Hernanes' services, but an offer of around €15m should bring them to the negotiating table.

Barcelona are keen on the playmaker, but have not made a final push because they are still pursuing Aleksandr Hleb and will not sign both players this summer.

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=747820

Dunga staying with Brazil

Dunga has reiterated he has no intention of stepping down as coach of Brazil.

The former World Cup winner is enduring a tough time at the head of the Selecao, capped by Sunday's unconvincing performance from the Under-23 side in a 1-0 friendly win over a combined Rio de Janeiro team as a warm-up for the Olympics.

That followed a 2-0 defeat to Paraguay and a 0-0 draw with Argentina for the senior side in the World Cup qualifiers, as well as a friendly loss at the hands of Venezuela.

The results have left fans and media questioning Dunga's position, but he said: "I have a job to do here and we're doing it.

"People question the results, but they don't remember that most of the players were on holidays in their respective leagues.

"The same thing happened with (Carlos Alberto) Parreira, with (Mario) Zagallo and even with Felipao (Luiz Felipe Scolari).

"Are we all wrong?"

Perreira coached Brazil to glory in the 1994 World Cup, Zagallo in 1970 and Scolari in 2002.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/other/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/08/06/23/SOCCER_Bra-Brazil_Dunga.html&TEAMHD=foreign

Soccer > World Cup Qualifier: Riquelme upset with Brazil result

Argentina playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme believes they deserved to beat Brazil in the closely contested goalless draw yesterday after dominating the second half.

Riquelme feels the Albiceleste had the better chances and more possession and should have secured all three points.

“In the second half we were better than our opponents and had some very clear chances to win but failed to find the net,” said Riquelme.

One of striker Julio Cruz’s attempts hit the woodwork.

Lionel Messi also had two chances in stoppage time.

“The best thing we did in the match is what we always do, move the ball around well. In the second period we had a lot more possession than them and when we have the ball we always feel calmer,” said Riquelme.

After the 1-1 draw with Ecuador at home on Sunday, Riqueme admitted it was never going to take much for Argentina to improve and he was not too unhappy with the display.

“We knew we could not play worse than Sunday and that made us relax ahead of this game. It is good because we played against a great team, one of the best in the world and to play them is not easy,” he said.

“We are happy with our game and with the team we have, but we are not happy with the draw. We played well and wanted to win and I think from our performance in the second half we were better than them.”

http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/mm/Friday/Sports/20080620105242/Article/index_html

Soccer-Dunga promises big improvement against Argentina

Brazil coach Dunga, whose side lost 2-0 to Paraguay in Sunday's World Cup qualifier, has promised a big improvement from his team when they face Argentina on Wednesday.

Dunga was criticised for his team's negative approach and the players for their performances in Asuncion, where Brazil were soundly beaten despite facing ten men for much of the second half.

"We will certainly play a lot better against Argentina than we did against Paraguay," said the coach during a tense news conference. "I know the personality of these players and the way they play."

Dunga, missing Kaka and Ronaldinho because of fitness problems, hinted that he would avoid making wholesale changes for Wednesday's match.

"We've played with this midfield before, we've won and we've lost. Sometimes, a change in attitude is better than a change of player. We're not going to change our entire way of working because of one game."

Brazil have taken eight points from five games in the South American qualifying group and are fourth in the table, behind Paraguay, Argentina and Colombia.

They have won their last three games against Argentina by three-goal margins.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKB25271620080616

Brazil, Argentina set for a lively qualifier

The first week of Euro 2008 has produced its share of quality soccer, but on Wednesday the international bar will be raised when Brazil hosts Argentina in a World Cup 2010 qualifier in Belo Horizonte.

While the Europeans typically err on the side of caution in Switzerland and Austria, the South Americans will almost certainly take the opposite approach in Brazil. Rather than backing up to their own goal, Brazil and Argentina live by the mantra of going at opposing defenders with the kind of passionate conviction that is all too rare these days.

That doesn't take away from the engaging play of Portugal, Croatia, The Netherlands and Spain at Euro 2008. But even partisans of those teams will concede that no European nation attacks with the same vigor and efficiency as the Brazilians and Argentines. This will be the ninth meeting between the teams this decade, with the previous eight games averaging 3.75 goals. By comparison, the first 16 games of Euro 2008 averaged 2.43 goals.

"I don't like the European championship," Argentina coach Alfio Basile said Thursday at a news conference in Buenos Aires. "As always, the Europeans play firstly to qualify [for the knockout phase]."

Jeff Rusnak Jeff Rusnak Bio | E-mail | Recent columns

Argentina and Brazil, meanwhile, play entirely to their attacking strengths, even against each other. The trend of late has been for Argentina to dominate possession in the midfield while Brazil gets the goals through individual brilliance. Brazil has outscored the Argentines 20-10 in compiling a 6-2 advantage since 2000, with the most recent win being last year's 3-0 thrashing in the Copa America final.

Brazil has beaten Argentina's A team in the last two Copa finals, despite being at less than full strength. In fact, it appears as though the Brazilians have a hex of sorts on the Argentines, whose two wins in this decade came in World Cup qualifiers played in Buenos Aires. Brazil, which leads the all-time series 35-34 with 23 draws, has won in London, Peru, Venezuela and twice at home during that same period.

The 2007 Copa final was especially galling for Argentina, which had scored 16 goals in five games leading up to the final. Brazil coach Dunga, sensing his team was outmanned for once, stifled the Argentina attack by having his team commit 37 fouls, many of them on midfield playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme.

That tactic may not play well in front a home crowd Wednesday, even though Dunga will be short-handed again because of injuries to Kaka and Ronaldinho. As always with Brazil, there are options. According to a news report out of Brazil, Dunga may start Robinho alongside Luis Fabiano, who scored 24 goals for Sevilla last season in La Liga.

The only omission for Argentina will be Carlos Tevez, who Basile is resting after his season at Manchester United. Riquelme didn't play during a two-game tour of the U.S., but he'll be in Belo Horizonte along with veteran midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, and 20-year-old forwards Lionel Messi and Sergio "Kun" Aguero (19 goals for Atletico Madrid).

Before playing each other, the teams play South American qualifiers today, with Brazil at first-place Paraguay and Argentina hosting Ecuador. It's a foregone conclusion that Brazil and Argentina will be among the four South American teams that will play in South Africa two summers from now, but that can't possibly diminish the drama of Wednesday's match.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/sfl-flsprusnak15sbjun15,0,6299948.column

Alexandre Pato Is the Record Smasher

Alexander Rodrigues Da Silva, more widely known as Alexander Pato, was born on the 2nd of September, 1989, in Pato Branco, Brazil.

Pato started playing football when he was seven years old, playing indoor soccer.

At just 16 years of age he was the star of the Brazilian championship. In November of 2006 he was chosen to be part of the senior International squad.

In his very first match he needed only one minute to score his first goal.

In his second game he broke an old Pele record becoming the youngest player ever to score in a FIFA tournament. He scored for Brazil's Internacional, who would go on to become World Club Champions that year, beating Ronaldinho's Barcelona in the final.

On the 28th of August, 2007, Milan spent 20 million euros to buy Pato.

In his very first match for Milan he did it again and scored a debut goal on his very first touch of the ball.

In 2008 Pato was called to the Brazilian national side in a friendly against Sweden. Sure enough, he did it again, scoring in his debut match after only being on the field for minutes, joining only a handful of greats to score for Brazil on their debut, alongside the likes of Zico and Pele.

Surely this bright talent is destined to break many football records in a very bright future. At 18 he has already done more than most dream of in a career.

http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/26978-Alexandre-Pato--The-record-smasher

IOC ANNOUNCEMENT MAKES RIO DE JANEIRO A CANDIDATE CITY TO HOST THE 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES

Athens – In an event carried out this Wednesday, in Athens, Greece, the International Olympic Committee announced that Rio de Janeiro is one of the candidate cities to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The announcement made by the International Olympic Committee Director Comunication, Giselle Davies, also named Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid as cities that are able to host the 2016 Games. Doha, Praga and Baku were eliminated by the IOC.

The Brazilian delegation present at the announcement included Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and Rio 2016 Bid Committee; Orlando Silva Júnior, Minister of Sports; Sergio Cabral, Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro; César Maia, Mayor of the City of Rio de Janeiro; and João Havelange, FIFA President of Honor and Senior Member of IOC. The following also attended the event: Carlos Roberto Osório, Rio 2016 Secretary-General; Leonardo Gryner, Rio 2016 Marketing and Communication Director; Edson Menezes, representative of the Rio 2016 Business Council; Ricardo Leyser, Federal Government Secretary; Eduardo Paes, Sports and Tourism State Secretary; and Ruy César, Rio 2016 Special Secretary. As for Rio 2007, collaboration among the three governmental levels will be crucial for the success of the Rio 2016 project.

For the president of the Brazilian Olympic Committee, the IOC announcement proves the quality of the Rio de Janeiro bid. “We are very happy with IOC’s decision because it is the first time Rio de Janeiro is a finalist in the effort to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This shows the IOC recognizes the development of Brazilian sports and trusts that Brazil is able to stage the Olympic Games. But just the first battle has been won. The other cities are extremely strong and we have to prepare an excellent dossier of our Olympic project. We will work together, with the three governments – federal, state and city -, towards the 2016 Games. The in Brazil will impact millions of teenagers in South America. The fact that we are one of the finalists increases our responsibility to come up to the Olympic world’s trust and expectations in regard to the Rio de Janeiro bid,” stated Nuzman.

The Minister of Sports Orlando Silva pointed out that Brazil will make every effort for Rio to be the 2016 host city. “This is a great time for Brazilian sports. Undoubtedly, IOC’s decision is reflects the quality of the Rio de Janeiro bid. Brazil offers highly favorable settings to host the Games, with economic stability, consolidated democracy and a cycle of sustainable economic development. The Rio de Janeiro bid is a project that mobilizes the entire Brazilian society. We are committed to working in partnership with the Brazilian Olympic Committee, the private sector and the State and City governments to stage in Rio de Janeiro the best Olympic Games in history, with the trademark of happiness and competence of the Brazilian people,” explained the Minister.

Governor Sergio Cabral stated that the State of Rio will do whatever it takes to host the Olympic Games. “The presence of Rio de Janeiro among the finalist cities shows the level of trust of the international sports community in Brazil, especially after the Rio 2007 Pan American Games. The bid dossier is being prepared to meet all IOC’s requirements. The Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro will provide whatever is necessary for the 2016 Olympic Games,” Cabral stated.

Mayor Cesar Maia pointed out the importance of the Rio 2007 Pan American Games in this process. “The Rio de Janeiro City government is both honored and happy because it did its homework to defend its city. To have won the bid for the 2007 Pan American Games, the investments made to stage it and the quality of its organization were certainly essential for the success of the event. The new challenge for 2016 just increases our enthusiasm and commitment,” said Cesar Maia.

In Brazil, the president of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, Vital Severino, celebrated IOC’s decision. “We were confident we would move to the candidacy phase because the Rio de Janeiro bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is quite solid. We have a great challenge ahead of us – that of bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to South America for the first time. The Brazilian Paralympic Committee is part of a strong current that roots for Rio, believes in Rio and, above all, works for Rio to bring the planet’s greatest sports event to our country,” he stated.

Now, the candidate cities will prepare a dossier detailing the 19 candidacy items. This dossier will be delivered to IOC by February 12, 2009. In April and May 2009 an Inspection Commission will visit the cities and prepare a report, which will serve as basis for the IOC members to vote. The election of city that will host the 2016 Games is scheduled for October 2, 2009, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Check the main points of the Rio 2016 project:

Financing – The budget of Rio’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is US$42 million. The financing of the candidacy will be equally divided between the three governmental levels: Federal, State and City, and the private sector will participate in order to reduce public investments.

Sports Venues – All competitions will take place within the city limits of Rio de Janeiro. Rio 2016 presents a compact and operationally efficient Master Plan having 50% of the competition venues within 5 to 10 minutes from the Olympic Village and 80% of the venues within 30 minutes. The only sports venues outside Rio will be the regional cities for the football preliminaries, which are planned for Brasília, Belo Horizonte, São Paulo and Salvador. The confirmation of the football Olympic cities is dependent on FIFA’s final decision for the 2014 World Cup host cities.

The Rio Olympic Project creates an Olympic Park in Barra. This is the concept used in the last four Olympic projects (Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London). Fundamental non-competition venues (Olympic Village, Media Villages, MPC, IBC and Official IOC and IPC Hotels) will also be located in Barra close to the Olympic Park. The Olympic Training Center will be built in this area, no matter if the Rio bid wins or not.

The venues plan proposes a total of 34 venues within four zones:

Barra: At the heart of the concept is the Barra zone, located in of newer and fastest growing regions of the city, framed by spectacular mountains, beaches and lagoons. This area will house 20 of the sports (56%) in 14 venues as well as key non-competition venues.

Copacabana: With its natural beauties and public spaces, the region will stage 8 sports to be carried out in 5 venues, including the Copacabana beach itself. This Zone is the site for a range of outdoor events with dramatic, iconic scenery creating broadcast and spectator appeal.

Maracanã: 4 venues will be located in Maracanã, taking advantage of the renovation of the complex for the FIFA 2014 World Cup and of the fact that it is located in the central area of the city demanding investments for urban recovery, including the Port region. This region will house 5 sports and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in the Country’s most emblematic sports stage.

Deodoro: The Deodoro zone is the target of social development projects for its high concentration of young people and was chosen to stage 7 sports for having successfully hosted several competitions (equestrian sports, shooting and modern pentathlon) during the Rio 2007 Pan American Games. The main characteristic of this region is the great availability of green areas, reason why it was chosen to receive the X Park. The X Park will be a huge space for Olympic and adventure sports, meeting a desire of the International Olympic Committee to provide increased connection with the new generation. It will host the Canoe-kayak (slalom), Cycling (BMX and Mountain Bike) competitions. In addition to these venues, a Modern Pentathlon National Center will be built, using the existing facilities constructed for the Rio 2007 Pan American Games.

Transportation – The transportation solutions developed together with the Federal, State and City governments meet the long-term needs of the city and are compatible with the time required for their construction and the Country’s investment capacity. The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic projects are in accordance with the city’s transportation development plans and are supported by the three levels of government involved.

One of the main solutions adopted for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is the implementation of three high-capacity transport systems BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), in the following corridors: Barra-Deodoro, Barra-North Zone and Barra-South Zone. The deployment of BRT systems presents feasible costs and faster execution when compared to underground subway. Thus, priority is being given to mass transportation to meet the demand by the population in general and by the Games spectators. These corridors are an important, long-waited-for legacy to the city.

The transportation planning for Rio 2016 is oriented not only to the improvement of the city’s transport structure or to the implementation of new projects but also to the development and implementation of technological and operational measures (rationalization of public transportation, discouragement of use of private vehicles, improvement of the traffic control system, creation of a single agency to manage city transportation, among others). In addition, the Olympic Games will take place during school and university holidays, which naturally reduces traffic demands in the city.

Accommodations – The city of Rio de Janeiro will offer 49,570 rooms for the 2016 Olympic Games in hotels, two media villages, referees accommodations and cruise ships, among others. This quantity comfortably meets IOC’s requirements of 40,000 rooms for mandatory for Games constituents.

Environment – According to the project presented this Tuesday, one of the major environmental legacies of the Olympic Games will be the environmental awareness program targeting the wellness of the future generations through the development of sustainability-promoting actions covering the following aspects: climatic changes, waste management and handling, biodiversity, social and cultural inclusion, health and quality of life. The cleaning of the Jacarepaguá and Barra lagoons will be one of the priorities in the environmental agenda of Rio 2016, which will benefit the communities around it.

Security – The internationally praised Pan American Games experience will be used as a platform for the security plan to be implemented for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The safety provided by Rio de Janeiro during large scale events is traditionally recognized, as it was proved during the Rio 2007. For the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, security will be managed in an integrated way, under an unified command, associated to a social integration policy with local communities. This program will be improved to meet the Brazilian society’s and the International Olympic Committee’s requirements. The investments in security to be made for the FIFA 2014 World Cup will be a guarantee of advanced delivery of a series of projects in this area. Forty thousand agents will be used in the Rio 2016 security plan.

http://www.sportsfeatures.com/index.php?section=pp&action=show&id=46925

Iraqi Refugee Gets Pass to Become Soccer Star in Brazil

Soccer player Abu Taha A Brazilian soccer team from Brazil's capital Brasília hired its first international football player last week. The team is Brazsat Football Club. The player is the Iraqi Ali Khaled Abu Taha, aged 18.

The youth, who spent the last four years in Ruweished refugee camp, in Jordan, is now practicing to play in the "C" Series Professional Football Champion in the Federal District, where the Brazilian capital is based, in June. "My dream is to play in a large Brazilian team," says Taha.

The new member of the team arrived in Brazil at the end of last year together with 116 Palestinian refugees that the government of Brazil decided to receive. Since November, Taha had been living with his parents in the city of Mogi das Cruzes, in Greater São Paulo, where he played with his friend in an amateur team.

"I am the first Arab player in Brazil and am very happy," he said. Taha does not yet speak fluent Portuguese, but he already understands the language and can already produce many phrases.

The contract with Taha is for two years. According to the club president in Brasília, João Gilberto Vaz, it was an Al Jazeera TV correspondent in Brazil who informed him about the young Palestinian talents.

"I therefore decided to bet and bring Ali to my team," said Vaz. According to him, Taha's arrival is going to open a new phase for business between Brazil and the Arab countries. "Many Brazilians leave to play in Arab teams. Now, we are going to show that it is possible to do the opposite too," he said.

Vaz believes that Taha may grow in football and go to other larger teams. "Now our priority is to train him and show that it is possible to adapt an Arab player to a Brazilian team," he said. The president at the club also stated that Taha would be an example to show Arabs and Brazilians that it is also possible to work together in football.

For the time being, Taha is training daily from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm, with Sundays off. According to the team supervisor, Ricardo Beserra, the youth is now working on stronger physical rehabilitation over the first few days and is being worked on in his abilities.

"I need to practice very much and need help. I want to become famous," said Taha. Practice sessions are at the Foreign Ministry Employee Association's Club (ASMRE), where the teams training center is located.

The Brazsat Football Club team was established last year and is betting on the 2008 edition of the "C" Series of the Professional Football Championship, which begins on June 15. The club, which is named after Brazsat Commercial Space Services, in the area of technology, the company belonging to it's founder, is seeking partnerships with the Middle East and Europe.

The club also plans to offer its youths schooling and English language teaching in the case of those presenting potential to play abroad. Another novelty at the club is bringing foreigners to play. Among the several projects is the establishment of an International Juvenile Football Tournament.

http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/9363/1/

Robinho lifts Brazil to beat Canada in soccer friendly

Robinho's second-half strike lifted Brazil to a 3-2 victory over Canada here Saturday in a friendly tuneup for their upcoming qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.

Robinho scored in the 63rd minute to break a 2-2 deadlock.

With the score knotted at 2-2, Canadian midfielder Julian De Guzman tried pass the ball back from just short of midfield, but his attempt sailed behind his intended target.

Robinho took it from there, collecting the ball, dribbling past goalkeeper Pat Onstad and drilling the ball into the back of the net.

De Guzman's 56th-minute goal had evened the match at 2-2.

Diego had opened the scoring for Brazil in the fourth minute, and Canada's Rob Friend equalized in the 11th. Luis Fabiano had put Brazil back in front in the 45th.

Despite De Guzman's one miscue, Canada coach Dale Mitchell had praise for the player.

"I thought he had an excellent game," Mitchell said. "He does a lot of work in midfield, he can distribute the ball, scored a good goal, perhaps could have had another one in the first half on his left foot.

"A mistake like that can happen to anybody, but, in general, another excellent performance from Julian De Guzman."

Brazilian coach Dunga credited both clubs for a tightly contested match.

"It was a tough game," Dunga said. "We knew Canada is a very disciplined team. They have two or three plays that they repeat to perfection. It was a difficult game and a good test. Good preparation for Brazil."

The victory was a triumphant start for Brazil in their brief US tour, which will include a match against Venezuela in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on June 6.

It was also the first victory for Brazil against Canada in three meetings between the two countries.

In the Copa Confederaciones in 2001, they played to a goalless draw, and the drew 1-1 in a friendly at Edmonton, Canada, in 1994.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gUMXAyN4ZC6xawXK0ZmZ0MTWqetw

Kaka leaves hospital after knee surgery

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Kaka left the hospital Saturday after knee surgery and the FIFA player of the year hopes to play for Brazil next month in two World Cup qualifiers. He is certain to miss two upcoming games in the United States.

"I'm going to get ready. The doctor said I have a chance" to play, AC Milan midfielder said on television as he left Pasteur Hospital.

Dr. Jose Luiz Runco, head physician of the Brazilian national team, performed the arthroscopic surgery Friday. He termed the operation a success but declined to set a timetable for the 26-year-old player's return.

Kaka almost surely will miss exhibitions against Canada in Seattle on May 31 and Venezuela in Boston on June 6. His goal is to return for qualifiers against Paraguay on June 15 and Argentina on June 18. Brazil trails the two in the race to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/24/sports/SOC-Kaka-Surgery.php

Dunga calls defender Thiago Silva for World Cup qualifiers

The Brazilian national men's football team's head coach Dunga called on Friday defender Thiago Silva, of Rio-headquartered club Fluminense, to join the roster that will play the qualifying games for the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 15, in Paraguay, and on June 18, in Argentina.

Dunga also called defender Henrique, of Brazilian club Palmeiras, for the two friendly matches to be held in the United States on May 31, against Canada, and on June 6, against Venezuela.

Both players will replace Alex Costa, of UK's Chelsea, who was removed from the list due to an injury.

The coaching committee had to draft two athletes to replace one because, on the dates of the friendlies, Silva will be playing the semifinals of the Libertadores Cup with Fluminense, against Argentina's Boca Juniors.

Silva's case is similar to the ones of Sao Paulo's forward Adriano and of Santos' wingback Kleber, who were included on the roster for the World Cup qualifiers last week. However, Sao Paulo and Santos got eliminated from Libertadores Cup this week.

Dunga is still expected to announce another player for the team, as Milan's star Kaka, who underwent an surgery on his left knee on Friday, will not be able to participate in the friendlies.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/24/content_8241398.htm

Kaka has knee surgery, will miss Brazil's exhibition tour

Kaka had arthroscopic knee surgery Friday and will miss Brazil's exhibition tour to the United States.

The surgery lasted 50 minutes and was performed by Dr. Jose Luiz Runco, the head physician of the Brazilian national soccer team, Eliane Belleza of the Pasteur Hospital said. Kaka, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, is expected to leave the hospital Friday.

The 26-year-old, who stars for AC Milan in the Italian League, will miss matches against Canada at Seattle on May 31 and Venezuela at Foxborough, Mass., on June 6. Kaka hopes to return for World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay on June 15 and Argentina on June 18.

"Dr. Runco didn't set any timeframe," Belleza said. "It varies from player to player. We have to wait and see."

In addition, injured defender Alex was replaced on Brazil's roster by Henrique for the exhibition games and by Thiago Silva for the World Cup qualifiers.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2008-05-23-kaka-surgery_N.htm

Galliani: No Olympics For Kaka

Milan general manager Adriano Galliani has made an official declaration, confirming that Kaka will not be allowed to represent Brazil at this summer’s Olympics, however Alexandre Pato will be permitted.

All teams participating in the Olympic games in Beijing are allowed to select three players over the age of 23, and there have been strong calls for Kaka to be chosen for Brazil.

Milan have now made it perfectly clear that they will refuse to allow the European and World Footballer of the Year to be selected.

A statement from Adriano Galliani on ACMilan.com reads: "Ahead of the Chinese Olympic games, Milan confirms that they will allow the under 23 players like Alexandre Pato and Rodrigo Digao, who are currently in the pre-list of the called-up players, to take part.

“However, Milan will not allow this permission to an over-23 player like Kaka for the simple reason that the Brazilian champion is already part of the Brazilian national team.

“The Rossoneri's club does not believe that it is fair that Kaka is included in the official games of the Brazilian Olympic national team."

Kaka has stated in the past that he would like to play in the Olympics.

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=702520

Pato Reflects On Debut Season

Milan striker Alexandre Pato has reflected upon his debut season for the Rossoneri.

The young Brazilian striking sensation has been a revelation at San Siro. Scoring on his debut against Napoli, he has gone on to score eight goals in 16 appearances for the club and he has analysed his first few months as a Milanista.

“I am growing up in Italian football after months of just training and watching the game from the stands,” Pato Italia Uno.

“Now I think about things differently compared to September, I saw a really difficult and competitive league but now I know that I can play well in it.

“The defenders are very intelligent in Serie A and I have to learn how they play in order to do well against them.

“I am always happy and ready to play, I just have to be patient.

“As for Pippo Inzghi, he’s a great player and he is in great form at the moment. He has to take Milan to the Champions League.

“Ronaldo? He’s always my idol, he is a good man and he has to return for us.”

Milan are on course for the Champions League this season but they need to ensure victory against Napoli and hope that Fiorentina slip up against Parma.

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=688449

Brazil soccer confederation acknowledges Kaka unlikely for Beijing Olympics

The Brazilian soccer confederation admits Brazil may not be able to rely on Kaka to be advailable for the Beijing Olympics.

"It's going to be very difficult," CBF president Ricardo Teixeira told TV Bandeirantes late Sunday. "We are not in a position to demand his release."

The AC Milan player has been saying he wants to help Brazil try to win its first Olympic gold in soccer, but he would need to be released by his Italian club.

Depending on Milan's finish in the Italian league, it may need to play in next year's European Champions League qualifying round, which has conflicting dates with the Olympics. Milan is currently fourth in the standings, and the top four will qualify.

Even if released by Milan, the 26-year-old Kaka must be summoned by Brazil coach Dunga as one of three players over 23 years old allowed to supplement each squad.

He was young enough to play in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, but Brazil failed to qualify. Kaka was not released by Milan to play South America's qualifying event for the 2004 Olympics.

He will be 30 years old for the 2012 London Olympics.

http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=12592227

Brazil schedules two matches in U.S.

Five-time World Cup champion Brazil will play exhibitions in the United States against Canada and Venezuela in the next six weeks.

Brazil, ranked second in the world by FIFA behind Argentina, will play Canada on May 31 in Seattle and Venezuela on June 6 in Foxborough, Mass.

The Brazil-Venezuela match will be part of a doubleheader at Gillette Stadium. The New England Revolution will host FC Dallas in Major League Soccer match in the other game.

Brazil resumes South American qualifying for the 2010 World Cup on June 14. The Brazilians are third after the first four games of qualifying in CONMEBOL.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=soc-bra/news/news.aspx?id=4147691

Pato: I Want To Go To The Olympics

AC Milan's newest golden boy Alexandre Pato has announced that it would be fulfilling a dream of his to represent Brazil in the Beijing Olympics this summer.

The teenage sensation has been an absolute smash since joining the Rossoneri from Internacional last summer, and he is hoping to perform similar heroics for his country on Chinese soil.

“I want to go to the Olympics,” revealed the hyper-talented 18-year-old. “I dream of winning a gold medal for Brazil, but it depends on Milan.”

“In the future I am counting on winning lots of trophies in Rossonero and a World Cup with the Selecao. I also want to become the best player in the world.”

The powers that be at Milan will not have been too enthused to learn of Pato's olympic desires, just as they were resistant to the same claims made by Kaka last month.

Although the Olympics conclude before the start of the 08/09 Serie A season, the Rossoneri are still hoping to secure fourth place this season which would necissitate them to secure qualification to the Champions League proper by undergoing a pre-season preliminary phase.

http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=670168

Brazil to play soccer friendlies against Canada, Venezuela in US

Brazil will play friendlies against Canada and Venezuela in the United States in May and June.

The five-time world champions will face Canada in Seattle on May 31, and Venezuela in Boston on June 6, the Brazilian soccer confederation said Monday.

They will be Brazil's third and fourth friendlies this year. It beat Ireland 1-0 in Dublin on Feb. 6, and defeated Sweden by the same score in London on March 26.

The matches will take place before Brazil's World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay on June 14 and archrival Argentina on June 17.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jD0VczXnx8TFFvEyItJ4ZgnW4H9g

Brazil keen to boost air and rail transportation for hosting 2014 World Cup

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil: Brazil plans to expand air traffic and build a bullet train between its two biggest cities in preparation for the 2014 World Cup.

Tourism Minister Marta Suplicy said on Friday the ministry had already begun planning for the Cup, the second to be held in Brazil. The country has won a record five World Cups but hosted just one, in 1950.

"The order for us in tourism is just one: Plan," she said at a news conference. "The 2014 World Cup is a great opportunity for the country to raise its visibility before the world."

Efficient preparation also could boost Brazil's status as a world-class sports venue, she said. Rio de Janeiro successfully staged the Pan American Games last year and aspires to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

A plan for expanding regional air traffic will be submitted to the Defense Ministry, Suplicy said. And the chief of staff of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is working on plans to build a bullet train between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

In 2006, 26 billion people in 240 countries watched the World Cup in Germany, Suplicy said, citing figures from FIFA, soccer's governing body. The numbers are expected to grow for the 2010 Cup in South Africa.

To prepare for the Cup, Germany invested 10 billion euros (US$15.8 billion) and created 40,000 permanent jobs and drew 24.5 million visitors from 2003 to 2006, she said.

"We're here to listen to the experiences of specialists, learn how each country prepared, what worked (and) what could have been better," Suplicy said.

Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Soccer Confederation, said Brazil was way ahead of other nations that hosted the World Cup.

"We're already planning for seven years a lot that wasn't planned in other countries at this time," he said. "This is the right way."

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/25/sports/LA-SPT-SOC-WCup-2014-Brazil.php

Expect wit and grit from the Miracle Man

In Rio de Janeiro, they call Joel Santana “The Fireman” and the “Miracle Man”.

And after he rescued Brazil’s biggest club from relegation, the fans canonised him as “San Joel de Flamengo” (Saint Joel of Flamengo).

Santana is a fixer: when a big Rio club is in crisis, they call him. His speciality is restoring lost morale with charismatic, unpretentious authority.

“Joel is a geezer,” says O Globo’s London correspondent Fernando Duarte. “He is funny, laid-back, plain-speaking: a typical Carioca (a citizen of Rio de Janeiro). He loves walking on the beach and talking to fans. He’s a man of the people. He never wears a suit: the most sophisticated clothing I’ve seen him wearing is a Polo shirt,” says Duarte.

“Joel gets close to his players, and identifies with them. I wouldn’t be surprised if the first thing he did in SA was invite all his players to a barbecue at his house.”

Even that coach-hater Romario (who played under him at Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama) loves Santana.

And this week, his Flamengo players greeted the news of his imminent departure for SA with shock and dismay.

“We are going to lose a great father,” said midfielder Toro. “But we will try to win for him and to give our lives for him in the Copa Libertadores.”

“I feel like I am losing someone at home,” said rightback Leonardo Moura.

There’s clearly much more to Santana than his chaotic CV suggests. He has changed jobs 26 times in 27 years, and he’s been fired four times .

In Europe or SA, a career history like Santana’s would scream incompetence, or disloyalty, or nastiness, or all of the above. But in the endless pandemonium of elite Brazilian football, the rules are different. Coaches get hired and fired at the drop of a carnival wig.

“His record is totally normal for a top Brazilian coach,” says the BBC’s Brazilian football correspondent, Tim Vickery. “It’s no reflection on him — it reflects the nature of Brazilian football. It’s such a pressurised environment that lasting one year at a big club is an achievement.

“Santana has done a fantastic job at Flamengo, and he’s on course to win the Rio state championship this year. But he could quite easily lose a few games and find himself out of work. That’s why the Bafana job holds a big attraction for him, because it offers job security.”

Vickery says Santana has become known as “a specialist in human relations”.

His diplomacy is especially prized among the ego-ridden superclubs of Rio de Janeiro state, where he has spent most of his career, winning four state championships and one national title.

Santana has had four stints as head coach of Flamengo, and three at both Vasco da Gama and Fluminense.

But can he can replicate his success in another continent, let alone another Brazilian city?

Santana’s only stint at a Sao Paulo club, Corinthians, in 1997, was brief and fruitless. He enjoyed more success in Bahia state, where he won two state titles with Vitoria and one with Bahia.

Vickery says Santana must have picked up basic “football English” when he coached for eight years in the Middle East in the 1980s — at Dubai club Al- Wasl and Saudi club Al-Hilal.

That was a long time ago, and an intensive refresher course will surely be in order.

Duarte reckons Santana’s rusty English need not be a huge problem: “ Zico is doing very well at Turkish club Fenerbahce with the help of a translator.”

But more importantly, what kind of football can fans expect from Santana’s Bafana? According to both Vickery and Duarte, Santana shares Carlos Alberto Parreira’s first tactical priority: defensive organisation.

“Contemporary Brazilian coaches are pragmatists: they don’t survive otherwise,” says Vickery. “And the idea that the Brazilian game has always been carefree was never true anyway. It was mythologised.”

So get ready for cautious, safety-first football a la Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez.

“Organisation is Santana’s strength,” says Duarte. “He isn’t afraid to put everybody behind the ball. When Flamengo had to play ugly, they did. And he can be a very stubborn guy.”

Duarte remembers an important Flamengo game in which Santana picked three defensive midfielders. When the press complained, Santana explained that he wanted the holding trio to be his “SWAT team”.

Crucially, Parreira combined his defensive pragmatism with an insightful commitment to possession football: he understood that because Bafana lacked the defensive technique to absorb endless pressure, the team needed to keep the ball by building attacks patiently.

Parreira is reportedly not a close associate of Santana, but he will offer detailed advice on the strengths and limitations of his team, as will Jairo Leal and Pitso Mosimane.

Leal did most of the talent- spotting under Parreira , and he and Mosimane conducted most training sessions.

Vickery believes that Santana will have no difficulty slotting into a technical team without changing the existing vision.

“That’s exactly why he he’s been recommended,” he says. “It’s an old tradition in Brazilian football to work within a technical commission, where the head coach is almost a figurehead, supported by a team of technical specialists that sometimes even include psychiatrists and dentists. Santana will apply the charisma and strength of personality.”

Duarte admits that Santana’s appointment surprised many Brazilian football pundits.

“We were all scratching our heads a bit. He’s such a local guy, so linked with Rio culture. If they wanted a blue-ribbon Brazilian coach, you’d expect them to go for someone like Wanderlei Luxemburgo of Palmeiras, who has coached Real Madrid and Brazil in the past,” says Duarte.

“It’s a risky choice. Having said that, Santana has a great reputation for getting results. He may be perfect for the job, but it’s hard to say.”

The biggest risk Santana poses is that of excessively functional football. After savouring Parreira’s fusion of elegance and caution, Bafana’s followers want more of the same.

If Santana strikes that balance, he could yet become “San Joel de Bafana”.

http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Sport/Article.aspx?id=757113

Brazil recall on the cards for Adriano

Brazil coach Dunga is considering recalling Adriano after the striker's hot start to the year for Sao Paulo, where he is on loan from Inter Milan.

Adriano, beset by physical and reported alcohol problems in the past 18 months, has only played once for Brazil under Dunga, in last year's 2-0 friendly defeat by Portugal.

"He has evolved, he is improving a lot with Sao Paulo," Dunga said in a television interview on Monday.

"He had a few problems at the start but he is getting back to being the Adriano that we all know.

"Without doubt, if he goes back to being the Adriano that he was before, he will have chances because he is a player with strength, power and he scores goals."

Adriano, known as the "Emperor," has scored 14 goals for Sao Paulo this year, 11 in the Paulista championship and three in the Libertadores Cup.

He scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Palmeiras on Sunday, although the first caused controversy as it seemed to strike his hand on its way into the goal.

Adapting the phrase used by Diego Maradona after his infamous goal for Argentina against England at the 1986 World Cup, Adriano said: "It was the hand of the Emperor."

Adriano appears to have overcome a troubled start with the Brazilian champions.

After signing for Sao Paulo last December, he promised to turn over a new leaf, only to be photographed at a pop concert in Rio de Janeiro holding a beer can two days later.

A week later, he was involved in a car accident in Rio. Although nobody was injured, it happened in the early hours of the morning, raising more suspicions he had been out on the town.

In February he was fined 40 percent of a month's wages after arriving late for training, then leaving early and threatening a cameraman.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7462459,00.html

Former Brazil striker Romario retires - this time for good, he says

Former Brazil striker Romario has officially announced his retirement - again.

The 42-year-old striker said he would not return to competitive play and had ended a 23-year career that includes the 1994 World Cup title, the FIFA player of the year award and more than 1,000 goals, by his own count. And, unlike several previous retirement announcements when he later changed his mind, Romario insisted he wouldn't turn back this time.

"My time is over," he said at the launch of a DVD showing 910 of his goals on Monday. "Officially, I might play a farewell game with the jersey of the national team or one of the three clubs I defended in Rio," he added, referring to former national champions Vasco, Flamengo and Fluminense.

Romario's contract with Vasco ended last month. He said he hadn't played since November and was four kilograms over his playing weight, which made his return difficult at an age when most players have already stopped.

He told a Brazilian newspaper last month he was retiring, but then recanted the next day.

Romario burst on to the soccer scene in 1985 with Vasco, with a sprinter's speed and masterly ball control that made him a worthy successor to Vasco's all-star striker Roberto "Dynamite."

Three years later, he was sold to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for US$5 million - a huge sum at the time - and was later inducted into the club's hall of fame.

In 1993, he jumped to Spain's Barcelona, where former Dutch all-star and coach Johan Cruyff dubbed him a "genius of the goal area." Romario led his new club to the Spanish league title and was named the world's outstanding player by FIFA in 1994.

After a falling-out with Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, Romario returned to the national team in 1994 and led Brazil to its fourth World Cup title, teaming up with striker Bebeto to end a 24-year drought for soccer's top prize.

In 1995, he returned to Brazil and played for rivals Vasco, Fluminense and Flamengo. His standout play sparked a national "draft Romario" campaign for the 2002 World Cup, but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari declined to name the player to the team that won its fifth Cup title that year.

Romario made his last foray abroad in 2003, playing for Al Saad in Qatar, Miami FC in the United States and Adelaide United in Australia. But he scored few goals and returned to Brazil in quest of his 1000th goal - a mark achieved only by the great Pele.

He reached the landmark last year, although FIFA officially gave him a much lower total. Romario's count included goals scored in amateur games, scrimmages and unofficial matches against small clubs.

As player-coach of Vasco, Romario remained a major attraction for fans even after he had lost his speed and stamina.

Last year, he tested positive for the banned substance Finasteride and was suspended for 120 days in December. Romario said he had used the hair-loss medicine Propecia, which contains Finasteride, and the Superior Tribunal of Sports Justice later accepted his claim that he did not take a performance-enhancing drug and lifted the suspension.

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5geRR7wFzkRKcZzBVqSb9Vsm1zOuw

Kaka tips English clubs for glory

Brazilian Fifa world player of the year Kaka believes any of the four English clubs could win the Champions League.

English teams have won the trophy only twice in the 15 years since the Premier League was formed but the AC Milan midfielder, 25, expects that to change.

He told BBC Sport: "Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all excellent and any of them could win it.

"I believe all the four English clubs have a great chance of making it all the way to the final in Moscow in May."

If one day I had to leave I would like to play in another big European team

AC Milan midfielder Kaka

All four English teams have a chance to progress when the quarter-final second legs take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with only one definitely going out because Liverpool face Arsenal.

Kaka, who won the competition with Milan in 2007, added: "In the last five or six years, English teams have improved a lot and they are consistently at a high level now.

"But you cannot rule out the other big clubs involved still, such as Barcelona."

Kaka, who is also the reigning Golden Ball winner and FifPro world player of the year, would not rule out playing for one of the Premier League's big clubs in the future.

606: DEBATE

Do you agree with Kaka's comments?

"I am very happy here in Milan but if one day I had to leave I would like to play in another big European team," confirmed the former Sao Paulo star.

"The biggest clubs are in Italy, England and Spain so it would be in one of these countries, although it is clear they play differently in these places.

"I can compare Spain to Brazil as they play a similar type of game, the way the players play.

"The leagues are very similar in the sense that all the teams play very tactically and it is very difficult to score goals.

"I think these three championships are the most important in the world at the present moment, all very good and competitive."

Kaka has played for Milan since 2003 when he signed from Sao Paulo for £4.25m. In his time in Italy he came up against England coach Fabio Capello many times - when the Italian was at Roma and Juventus.

KAKA FACTFILE

Born: 22/4/1982, Brasilia

Full name: Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite

Clubs: Sao Paulo, Milan

Major honours: Serie A (2004), Champions League (2007), Super Cup (2003, 2007) World Cup (2002)

Brazil: 59 apps, 22 goals

Kaka says he believes the Football Association have made a very shrewd appointment, despite the criticism they received for appointing another foreigner in the England post.

"I don't think there is any doubt that Fabio Capello is a very fine manager," said Kaka. "I believe he can win a lot with the England team in the time he spends as the national team manager.

"It would have been something new if Capello had been the first foreign coach with England but Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson has already been there.

"Brazil has always had a Brazilian coach and the same for Italy but in England it has happened before so it's not a big deal having a foreign coach."

Kaka has dropped below his usual sublime standards this season, with Milan lying in fifth place in Serie A and losing to Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League too.

But, despite his inconsistent form and a season disrupted by tendinitis in his knee, Kaka wants to experience the high of being named the world's best player again.

"It was a big honour to win the award, there are a lot of players in the world and to come first was a great feeling," he revealed.

Kaka

Kaka (left) has great expectations for fellow countryman Pato

"I'm very happy to have had that and I would like to win it again because the sensation of winning that type of award is unique.

"I don't think I am the best player in the world, I just think I'm one of the best, with others such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o."

Kaka also predicts his Brazilian team-mate at Milan, 18-year-old striking sensation Alexandre Pato, will join him as a winner of the top individual prize in football one day.

"As for Pato, he is an amazing player. He is very young though, only 18-years-old," commented Kaka.

"He has an incredible future ahead of him and he can do a lot of things with Milan. He needs to be allowed to grow and to improve without too much pressure on him."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7290977.stm