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Alex returns to commanding role in Brazil
Midfielder Alex again returns to take Brazil's leading role in the showdown against Mexico in the quarterfinals of the Copa America on Sunday.
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: February 25, 2007 09:07 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Arequipa:
Midfielder Alex again returns to take Brazil's leading role in the showdown against Mexico in the quarterfinals of the Copa America on Sunday. The skipper had missed the action against Paraguay in the last group match as coach Carlos Alberto Parreira tested new players. Brazil was beaten 2-1, losing first place in Group C and setting up the match against the Mexicans. "I'm ready to return," Alex said. "Parreira told me that he was going to experiment new things against Paraguay only because we had already advanced." Bench players in action The Brazilians had entered the match with a playoff spot already secured, allowing Parreira to give playing time to some of the bench players. Felipe, who is on his way to France's Olympique Marseille, was Alex's substitute at midfield. But with a semifinal spot on the line, Parreira assured Alex would be back to helm Brazil's all-new Copa team on Sunday at Piura. The 26-year-old playmaker was confident despite Brazil not having beaten Mexico since 1999. "We all know it's going to be a very hard game," Alex said. "Mexico is one of the most traditional teams in soccer, but we are capable of beating them." Regular in rosters Alex, who plays for Turkey's Fenerbahce, has been a regular in Parreira's rosters for some time. Alongside midfielder Kleberson, he is one of the most experienced players in the Copa America roster. The gifted passer was one of the hottest players in Brazil last year, leading Cruzeiro to an uncontested Brazilian championship, and to the Brazilian Cup title. Alex has played 39 games for the national team, scoring 10 goals. (AP)Topics mentioned in this article
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