SWEDEN: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Coach Dunga predicts slow return for Real Madrid's Ronaldo as Brazil train ahead of friendly against Ecuador in Sweden

Brazil moved from the heat in Kuwait where they beat a local select 4-0 win to the cold of Sweden where they are preparing for a friendly against Ecuador on Tuesday (October 10) in Stockholm. The match, which was originally scheduled to be played at the Nou Camp in Barcelona, will take place at the Rasunda stadium in Solna, a suburb just north of the Swedish capital. Coach Dunga is unbeaten since taking over from Carlos Alberto Parreira after the World Cup and has given priority to team ethics instead of relying on his superstars. Ronaldinho and Kaka were both disappointing in Germany and Dunga insists they also need to prove themselves to earn a place in the team. In Kuwait, Ronaldinho played the first half before being replaced by Kaka and some are now questioning if both have a secured place in the starting line-up. "I do not like to talk about individuals. We have this tendency in Brazil to emphasize one player in particular. But every time Brazil were champions, this has not helped. We need to have a group of 22 all motivated and well prepared. Then, during the game the individual can make a difference. We cannot rely on individuals. All of them will have an opportunity and their chance to play in the right time." Brazil have beaten Argentina and Wales in two previous friendlies in September in England and Ecuador, who reached the last 16 in the World Cup, should provide a good opposition. Dunga, who lifted the 1994 World Cup as Brazilian captain when Ronaldo was only 17, has not picked his former team-mate since taking over in July. The coach says that the Real Madrid striker would need more time to go back to his top form before being considered for selection. "We are only going to see the Ronaldo of our dreams in four, six months because his return to fitness will be much more difficult than the other players who took part in the pre-season (with their clubs)."

ITN Source | October 9, 2006

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