体坛英语新闻：Despite loss, Brazilians celebrate Ronaldinho’s return to national team

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Millions of television sets were tuned in across Brazil to watch the soccer friendly against archrival Argentina on Wednesday.

Although their team lost 1-0 in the finals minutes of play, the country hailed the return of Ronaldinho Gaucho to the Brazilian national soccer team.

After a 19-month absence from playing for the Brazilian national team, head coach Mano Menezes decided to give the talented midfielder and fan favorite another chance on the team.

“It’s about time that he is back on the team. Dunga made a horrible mistake by excluding him from the 2010 World Cup. He is a play-maker, a veteran and is brilliantly creative on the field. I am thrilled to see him back on the team. I am sure that today’s friendly will not be the only time that he represents Brazil. I hope that Menezes names Ronaldinho to the team that will defend Brazil here at home in the 2014 World Cup,” described fan Paulo Neves.

The match continued scoreless after 90 minutes of play. However, the reigning best player in the world, Lionel Messi scored on a great individual play in stoppage time, giving Argentina the win in Doha, Qatar.

The loss marked Mano Menezes’ first while in command of the national team.