Soccer: Ricardinho to replace injured Brazilian captain

SAO PAULO - Corinthians midfielder Ricardinho, called up to replace Brazil's injured captain Emerson, has set out to join the squad.

The choice of the attacking 26-year-old fuelled some speculation that coach Luis Felipe Scolari may be considering a switch from his favoured defensive strategy.

"I'm ready despite the surprise draft. I'll travel (to South Korea) with thoughts of Brazil winning the title in my head," Ricardinho said as he prepared to catch a flight out of Sao Paulo on Sunday.

He heard the news of his call-up from his wife as he left a church service.

Ricardinho began his professional career at the age of 17 with the Parana club, followed by a stint with Bordeaux in France before joining Corinthians.

He recently helped Corinthians win the Copa Brasil and Rio-Sao Paulo tournaments under Carlos Alberto Parreira, national coach when Brazil won the 1994 World Cup.

"I know most of the players and adapting to the group will not be a problem, independent of not having worked with Big Phil (Scolari)," he said.

The player's website said: "Ricardinho will be available for Big Phil and for the China match (on June 8), and will vie with his friend Juninho for the number two spot in the Brazilian midfield."

Emerson dislocated his shoulder less than 24 hours before Brazil's opening match against Turkey on Monday. The Brazilian captain was playing in goal in a light-hearted practice match when he fell awkwardly.

"I'm being called up on a sad occasion because Emerson, aside from being a great person, is also a great professional," said Ricardinho.

Brazil, Turkey, China and Costa Rica comprise group C.

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