RIO DE JANEIRO, May 31: Brazilian striker Adriano said on Friday that he wanted Argentina to be afraid of him.

Recalled to the Brazil squad for only the second time since the last World Cup, Adriano has a good record against Argentina whom Brazil face in a World Cup qualifier at Belo Horizonte’s Mineirao stadium on June 18.

The Emperor scored with the last kick of the game in the 2004 Copa America final when Brazil drew 2-2 before winning on penalties and notched two to help Brazil win 4-1 in the Confederations Cup final one year later.

“I’m going to do everything to make them much more afraid of me,” he told the Terra website in an interview in Seattle where Brazil were to face Canada in a friendly on Saturday.

Asked if Argentina were his favourite victims, he replied: “Certainly, certainly. “I hope I can repeat (the goals) in the Mineirao.” Adriano has found a new lease of life since joining Brazilian champions Sao Paulo on loan from Inter Milan, where he had struggled with fitness problems for the previous 18 months.—Reuters

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