Marc Weber
Ronaldinho, Robinho, Kaka -- Canada.
Team Canada and its fans have a rare opportunity. It was confirmed Tuesday that Canada will face five-time world champion and FIFA No. 2 Brazil at Qwest Field in Seattle on May 31 as both sides gear up for World Cup qualifying.
"Whenever a game like this is presented to you, no matter where you're at in your preparation, you've got to seriously consider it," understated Dale Mitchell, Canada's head coach. "It's a great chance for our players to compete with some of the world's best players and probably the most famous national team of all."
Canada starts off down a challenging 2010 qualifying road with matches against Saint Vincent and Grenadines in mid-June, the latter tilt in Montreal.
The Canadian team tackling Brazil could be similar to that June roster, as top players from Europe will be available for selection, including Julian de Guzman from Deportivo la Coruna.
"For a game like this, you're going to want to have your best," said Mitchell, who expects to invite 20-22 players to Seattle for a four- or five-day mini-camp.
Houston Dynamo star Dwayne De Rosario is the top North America-based player for Canada, while Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Martin Nash and central defender Adrian Cann could be in the mix.
Tickets (from $35 to $125) go on sale through Ticketmaster on Monday at 10 a.m. Whitecaps FC ticket package holders can buy in advance by calling 604-669-WAVE.
© The Vancouver Province 2008
