Gallas recalled to Brazil team

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Midfielder Gilberto Silva was recalled by Brazil on Thursday for next month's friendlies against United States and Mexico. The Arsenal player captained the side during the Copa America but missed the final against Argentina through suspension and was rested for Wednesday's 2-0 friendly win over Algeria in France. Coach Dunga made no other major changes to the squad which was announced on the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) website Brazil face the U.S. in Chicago on Sept. 9 and Mexico in Boston three days later. Brazil have lost their last two meetings with Mexico - 1-0 at the Confederations Cup in 2005 and 2-0 at the Copa America in June. Meanwhile, Ronaldinho and Kaka both appear to have been allowed out of the doghouse after declining to play for Brazil at the Copa America. The punishment for both players, who said they were too tired to play at the tournament in Venezuela, was limited to sitting out the first 45 minutes of Wednesday's friendly international against Algeria in France. Having being told by coach Dunga that they would have to fight to regain their places after Brazil won the Copa America without them, both were brought on at halftime. Ronaldinho made a quick impact as he set up one goal and scored the other in a 2-0 win over the North Africans after the first half in Montpellier had finished goalless. 'It was good to come back,' said Kaka. 'I think it's clear that there's no problem about what happened, now it's up to me to make the most of my chances.' The pair's behaviour had become a hot potato for Dunga who, since taking over one year ago, had emphasised the importance of dedication and commitment. During the Copa America, the coach repeatedly thanked the players who had taken part, saying they had abandoned their holidays and left behind their families in what appeared to be a dig at the illustrious duo. However, after Wednesday's win he was in a conciliatory mood, possibly realising that it would not be wise to pick a fight with the 2010 World Cup qualifiers only two months away. Dunga stood up for Ronaldinho who is often criticised for saving his best for his club side Barcelona. 'It's much more difficult to play for the national side,' Dunga told Brazilian media in France. 'Everybody expects him to do something spectacular and extraordinary every day. But football's not like that. It depends on the whole team.' 'They say that Ronaldinho doesn't play as well for the national side as he does with Barcelona, but they are different situations and you (the media) only see his best games. 'When he plays for Brazil, the marking is tougher.'