THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO -- Brazil has summoned Kaka, Robinho and a host of other big names in a star-studded squad to meet Canada and Venezuela in upcoming soccer friendlies.

Ranked second in the world behind Argentina, Brazil is slated to play Canada at Qwest Field in Seattle on May 31, and Venezuela at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., on June 6.

The 25-man Brazilian roster includes midfielders Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid), Elano (Manchester City) and Anderson (Manchester United), as well as forwards Alexandre Pato (AC Milan) and Adriano (Sao Paulo). Pato was on show last summer in Canada at the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Canada, currently tied for 62nd with Bosnia-Herzegovina, is using the Brazil friendly and a June 4 game against Panama in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as tune-ups for a two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff with No. 145 St. Vincent & the Grenadines on June 15 and 20.

Canada has a record of 0-1-2 against Brazil, most recently tying a second-string Brazilian squad 0-0 at the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup in Japan, thanks to fine showing in goal by Craig Forrest. Canada also registered a memorable 1-1 tie with Brazil in Edmonton in 1994 on the strength of a goal by Eddy Berdusco.