RONALDO EYES BRAZIL RETURN

The match is crucial to Brazil's hopes of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea after last Sunday's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Uruguay.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is hopeful that the skillful forward will recover in time, adding: "Ronaldo is working very hard and if he continues progressing in his recovery it is possible that he will make the bench."

The 24-year-old former Barcelona star has been plagued by an injury to his right knee that has practically kept him out of the game since 1999 and prompted fears that he will never be the same player.

However, as much as the Inter striker wants to help his country, Scolari maintains that the forward will not be rushed back into action.

"Ronaldo has recovered very well and will be important for future team selections, but I believe that this is not the ideal moment to return," stated the Brazil boss.