Brazil calls up Rafael for friendlies
SAO PAULO -- Brazil has called up Manchester United right back Rafael to replace the injured Dani Alves for upcoming friendlies.
Rafael was called up on Friday because Alves broke his collarbone while practicing with Barcelona earlier this week.
Brazil will play Denmark on May 26; the United States in Landover, Md., on May 30; Mexico in Arlington, Texas, on June 3; and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., on June 9.
The matches are part of Brazil's preparations for the Olympics, the only significant competition the five-time world champion has yet to win.
The Olympic tournament is played with under-23 teams, but each nation can use three over-age players.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE SPORTS HEADLINES
- Ribery, Benzema charged with soliciting minor
- Ex-U.S. coach denies Solo's shoving allegation
- Messi, Ronaldo, Iniesta UEFA award finalists
- Kompany: Van Persie would boost any team
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
Soccer on ESPN.com

Coverage on ESPN FC
- Bennett: Great American swindle?
- Marcotti: Robin van Persie's future
- Cox: Under the radar
- Jose Mourinho exclusive interview
- State of Scottish football
- Marcotti: Preseason's double-edged sword
- MLS Power Rankings, week 20
- Bennett: EPL crisis?
- MLS second-half stories to follow
- Marcotti: Di Matteo's vision for Chelsea
- Can the NASL contain the Cosmos?
Euro 2012 in Review
MORE FROM ESPN DALLAS
Check out the new ESPN Dallas, the place for your local Dallas sports coverage.
MORE FROM ESPN NEW YORK
Check out the new ESPN New York, your destination for sports coverage in the Big Apple.