Brazil boosted by Kaka before Colombia game

The return of world player of the year Kaka has given Brazil a boost before they host Colombia in Rio de Janeiro in a South American World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

Monday press reports raved about the star attacking midfielder who scored the first goal in Brazil's 4-0 thrashing of Venezuela on Sunday night.

The Jornal do Brasil newspaper reported: “In the return of Kaka, Brazil scored and created an atmoshpere of optimism,” before adding: “Kako wore the Brazil shirt with great style.”

The 26-year-old AC Milan star returned to the international scene after an absence of 11 months, scoring after just five minutes for his 23rd international goal in his 60th appearance.

The Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper however said it was delighted with the performance of Kaka but warned that Colombia's match on Wednesday would be a much tougher test.

“Kaka was everywhere with finesse and he scored a goal,” said the newspaper. “But Colombia will not be such an easy match.”

Alfio Basile's Argentina travel to Santiago to play Chile on Wednesday following their 2-1 home win over Uruguay on Saturday night.

However Basile will be without star midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme as the Boca Juniors player has amassed too many yellow cards and is suspended.

The leaders of the 10-nation qualifying group Paraguay, who have 20 points from nine matches as opposed to the 16 points of both second-placed Brazil and Argentina, host Peru in Asuncion on Wednesday.

Paraguay had a 1-0 away win in Colombia on Saturday to keep up their winning momentum.

South American World Cup qualifiers

Tuesday

At La Paz

Bolivia v Uruguay

Wednesday

At Asuncion

Paraguay v Peru

At Santiago

Chile v Argentina

At Rio de Janeiro

Brazil v Colombia

At Puerto La Cruz

Venezuela v Ecuador