Brazil national soccer team to play Canada

Soccer met American football at Qwest Field Friday in a scene that further demonstrated Brazil's global appeal in the world's most popular sport.

At the end of Brazil's practice in preparation for tonight's match against Canada, four Seahawks players, including quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, shook hands and traded jerseys and balls with some of Brazil's top stars. Robinho, a Brazilian forward, kicked a football as if juggling a soccer ball with his feet.

"My teammates and I ... we're going to be here tomorrow night," Hasselbeck said. "We're excited to see some of the best athletes in the world."

As Hasselbeck spoke, his 5-year-old daughter Mallory ran around the field wearing a personalized yellow Brazilian soccer jersey. Nearby, Adriano, another of Brazil's big names, clutched his Seahawks blue No. 12 jersey like a prized possession.

Soccer takes center stage in Seattle as Brazil and Canada square off. While Canada will have its fans with the border a short drive away from Seattle, Brazil is the featured attraction with its bright uniforms, internationally-recognized players, free-flowing style of play and, of course, its rabid fans, who will be in Seattle as much for the party as the game.

"The popularity of Brazil is related to the quality of the game, the ability to improvise," head coach Dunga said.

The big news Friday for Brazil was that Adriano was with the team. The forward on loan from Italy's Inter Milan to São Paulo in Brazil's top league was originally placed on the Seattle travel roster but not expected to make the trip.

The Brazilians will use tonight's game to get players ready for 2010 World Cup qualifying matches against Paraguay and Argentina in June. They have brought to Seattle a powerful lineup.

"There's so many ways that they can hurt you that I don't think you can key on any one player," Canada coach Dale Mitchell said. He called the Brazilian side "multidimensional."

Having the likes of Robinho, Adriano and forward Alexandre Pato among the other talented players, is just a bonus for Brazil's fans, who revere the players like rock stars.

"Brazil is the winner, Brazil is the powerhouse in soccer," said Bob Sutton, a native of Brazil who works for Microsoft and is providing Portuguese translation for the team this week. "They've won multiple times. They've played all over the world, and people who enjoy soccer probably grew up hearing that Brazil is the best team."

Brazil is a five-time World Cup champion, more than any other nation. It has been runner-up twice.

"Brazil players play with strength and discipline, but also with a lot of rhythm," Sutton said. "Maybe because of how we grow up in Brazil playing soccer. It's less about structured leagues and much more about playing it on the corners, in the parks. It's like basketball here. A sport of masses. Everybody plays it."

The style was evident in the way Brazil practiced Friday. Players did one drill in which they pair off and hold hands while passing the ball around and dribbling. The scrimmage drill was like watching a recreational league game, complete with shouting, laughing, goal celebrations and up-and-down, fast-paced action.

Seattle Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson and youth programs director Darren Sawatzky experienced Brazilian soccer firsthand, suiting up and practicing with the team.

"The last three World Cups [before 2006] we've gotten into the finals. Won two titles. So the entire connection with the fans is always greater," goalkeeper Julio Cesar said through Sutton.

A connection that spans different sports, too, as the Seahawks came to understand.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com