Saturday, May 24, 2008

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

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