Scolari recalls Leonardo for Brazil but no Romario

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has called up veteran and former captain Leonardo.

But there is no place for striker Romario.

Brazil face two matches in August including a crucial 2002 World Cup qualifier at home to Paraguay.

The recall of Leonardo comes as a surpise. He has only just returned to Brazil from Italy to sign for Sao Paolo. He was a former favourite and captain for Mario Zagallo but his background was resented by some Brazil stars and he had challenges to his captaincy.

Brazilian fans are hoping to see the return of Ronaldo to the team after injury buit instead Scolari has recalled a player who has had a mixed reception at times From home fans.

Goalkeeper Marcos (Palmeiras), winger Belletti (Sao Paulo, deenders Juan (Flamengo) and Cris (Cruzeiro) are also called up for the August ties.

Midfielders Tinga (Grêmio) and Juninho Paulista (Vasco) join Leonardo with strikers Euller (Vasco) and Edilson (Flamengo) completing the squad.

Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Vampeta and Elber are all back in the Brazil squad as they prepare to face Panama and Paraguay next month and they are now joined by former PSG and AC Milan star Leonardo.

Rivaldo will miss FC Barcelona's Champions League qualifier in August to play for Brazil.

All are expected to play in the 2002 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on August 15th as Brazil start their run of four matches to decide their World Cup future.

In all coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has called up 13 players based in Europe although Ronaldo is being allowed to continue his pre season work with Inter as he tries to recover from knee surgery.

Brazil have arranged a Curitiba friendly on August 9th against Panama after Jamaica, Honduras and Guatemala al failed to accept their invitations to play Scolari's team.

Scolari has abandoned the reserve squad which was elimintaed from the rescheduled Copa America on Sunday by Honduras and turned again to the experienced players who have been booed from the field by fans for the past year.

Rivaldo in particular has much to prove to Scolari and the Brazilian fans after a year of dismal form for the national team.

Elber was originally included in the Copa America squad but German club Bayern Muncih refused to release him insisting he would not be safe in Colombia.

The European players called up by Scolari:

Goalkeeper - Dida (AC Milan)

Defenders - Lucio (Bayer Leverkusen), Roque Junior (AC Milan), Cafu (AS Roma), Junior (Parma), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid).

Midfielders - Vampeta (Paris St Germain), Eduardo Costa (Girondins Bordeaux), Alex (Parma) Rivaldo (Barcelona)

Strikers - Elber (Bayern Munich), Denilson (Betis), Marcelinho Paraiba (Hertha Berlin).