Kaka recalled after two-year absence

MADRID - Former World Player of the Year Kaka is set to play his first match for Brazil in more than two years after being recalled on Thursday for next month’s friendlies.

Friday, September 28, 2012

MADRID - Former World Player of the Year Kaka is set to play his first match for Brazil in more than two years after being recalled on Thursday for next month’s friendlies.The Real Madrid player, plagued by injuries over the last few seasons, was included in the squad for games against Iraq in Sweden on October 11 and Japan in Poland five days later.He has not played for his country since the 2-1 defeat by the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal.It is the second time Kaka has been called up by coach Mano Menezes, who replaced Dunga after the World Cup in South Africa, but last year he had to drop out through injury and missed the matches against Gabon and Egypt.The 30-year-old, who made his debut for Brazil in 2002, has 82 caps and played at the last three World Cups."We have been following his progress,” Menezes told reporters. "In terms of training, of dedication, the standard which he has reached gives us hope that he will play well when he is picked for Brazil.”Menezes did not see a problem combining Kaka with Oscar in midfield. Menezes is rebuilding the team for the 2014 World Cup, which Brazil will host, and is trying to move away from the counter-attacking style developed under Dunga.