Ronaldinho, Kaka back in Brazil squad for friendly against Algeria

The two players are part of a list of 22 names that national coach Carlos Dunga announced Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.

 Ronaldinho and Kaka declined to take part in the Copa America that Brazil won last month in Venezuela, claiming that they needed to rest after a long European season. Dunga did not like their request to be exempt from the tournament, but the incident did not appear to have further consequences.

 Centre-back Lucio, who played the last two world cups for Brazil and missed the Copa America due to an injury, is also back in the squad.

 Dunga also called Copa America star striker Robinho, midfielder Julio Baptista and right back Daniel Alves and Roma's centre back Juan.

 The friendly game against Algeria, to be held in Montpellier, France, will be Brazil's first match in preparation for the upcoming South American qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Brazil open their campaign on October 14 away against Colombia and will host Ecuador in Rio de Janeiro three days later.

 The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said Tuesday that the squad - winner of five World Cup titles - is set to play Mexico in another friendly on September 12, possibly in Boston. According to Brazilian media, the CBF is also negotiating to play another friendly, possibly against Canada, ahead of the world cup qualifiers.

DPA