RIO DE JANEIRO, May 16: Adriano was recalled by Brazil for next month’s World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, only the second time he has been picked by his country since the 2006 World Cup.

The 26-year-old was included in a 25-man squad for the matches away to Paraguay in Asuncion on June 15 and at home to arch-rivals Argentina in Belo Horizonte three days later.

Paraguay lead the 10-team South American qualifying group with 10 points from four games, one ahead of Argentina and two ahead of Brazil.

The same squad will face Canada in a friendly in Seattle on May 31 and Venezuela in Boston on June 6, minus Adriano who has club commitments with Sao Paulo.

As expected, there was no place for troubled forward Ronaldinho, who has been out of action with Barcelona because of fitness and weight problems.

Adriano, plagued by physical and reported alcohol problems last year with Inter Milan, has regained his form since joining Sao Paulo on loan in December and has scored 16 goals in all competitions.

“Everyone knows his potential and he has shown great willpower and capability to come back,” Dunga told reporters. “His football talent was never in doubt. He deserves to return to the national team.”

“Great players like important games. That’s where we see their potential,” Dunga added.

“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.”

There were no major surprises as Ronaldinho was left out while AC Milan pair Kaka and Alexandre Pato were included.

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

“There’s a lot of sensationalism with Ronaldinho,” stated 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 reiterated that he wanted Kaka to take part in the Olympic Games as an over-age player but said it would depend on negotiations with Milan, who are not obliged to release him for the tournament.—Reuters