After disappointing in Neymar’s absence at this summer’s Copa America, perhaps Dunga had enough reason to drop him.
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Coutinho was centre stage again on Sunday as he scored a wonder strike with just four minutes to go, allowing Liverpool to secure all three points against Stoke City in their first game of the new season.
Coutinho, 23, has been replaced by veteran Kaka who has been in fine form in his debut MLS season with Orlando City.
“It’s a big day for me, so I’d like to share this great news with all of the supporters”, Kaka told the Orlando City club website.
The 33-year-old has a chance to impress against Costa Rica and USA in Brazil’s upcoming friendlies, and will be eager to ensure his inclusion is more than simply a farewell to the gold and green.
Coutinho has made 11 caps for the Brazil national team since 2010 and recorded a goal for the team in a 2-0 win over Mexico back in June.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Nike and other sponsors of the Brazil national team would undergo investigation for alleged corruption and dabbling in matters beyond their authority, per Reuters (h/t Daily Mail). Kaka is important on the pitch but also outside it and especially in the locker room.
Kaka, Hulk and Lucas had their national careers revived as all three were picked, but it was the latter who had his reaction and his family’s reaction posted on the internet as they shrieked with joy at the sound of his name.
“I know how much playing for Brazil means to Kaka and so I’m really pleased for him”.
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After winning 10 friendlies in a row under Dunga, Brazil lost their second group game in the Copa to Colombia and were then knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the quarter-finals.
