Adriano in Brazilian team for World Cup qualifiers

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Veteran forward Adriano was called up for the second time since Germany 2006 as the Rio-based Brazilian football confederation released on Thursday the 25-man squad drafted for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Last year, Adriano experienced a bad phase in his career due to injuries and problems with alcohol abuse.

Italy's Inter Milan then agreed to loan him out to Brazilian club Sao Paulo, where he has been displaying significant improvement since January.

On Wednesday, the forward scored for his team in the 1-0 victory over Fluminense in the Libertadores Cup's quarterfinal.

Brazil will face Paraguay on June 15 in Asuncion, and Argentina on June 18 at home, in its quest for South Africa 2010. Adriano and Santos' wingback Kleber were drafted exclusively for the two matches next month.

Before that, the Brazilian team will play two friendly games inthe United States: on May 31, against Canada, and on June 6, against Venezuela. Real Madrid's wingback Marcelo and Betis' forward Rafael Sobis were called only to those two matches.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Internazionale), Doni (Roma), Diego Alves (Almeria);

Defenders: Lucio (Bayern Munich), Alex Costa (Chelsea), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Benfica)

Wingbacks: Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Maicon (Internazionale), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Kleber (Santos);

Midfielders: Elano (Manchester City), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal),Mineiro (Hertha Berlin), Josue (Wolfsburg), Anderson (Manchester United), Diego (Werder Bremen), Kaka (Milan)

Forwards: Adriano (Sao Paulo), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Rafael Sobis (Betis), Robinho (Real Madrid)