Replacing Kaka may not be as hard as it looks for Brazil coach Dunga.
Kaka cannot play in Brazil's last Group G match against Portugal on Friday because of his late red card in the win over Ivory Coast, but Dunga has plenty of options to replace the star playmaker without compromising how the team has been playing.
Julio Baptista is the obvious substitute, but other alternatives include Daniel Alves, Ramires, Kleberson and even Robinho as a midfielder.
"There is a lot we can do at midfield," Dunga said. "We have versatile players."
Brazil has already secured a second-round spot at the World Cup, but the match against Portugal in Durban will decide the group winner. Brazil only needs a draw to top the group and remain in Johannesburg for the round of 16.
"Dunga will evaluate what's better tactically and he will chose the player he feels will better help Brazil play well against Portugal," Kaka said Tuesday.
Kaka will be absent after a controversial dismissal in Brazil's 3-1 win on Sunday, when he received a second yellow card in a challenge near midfield.
Although Dunga likely won't find a player as good as Kaka, the former world player of the year, the coach is glad to have more than one option to fill the playmaker's position.
Julio Baptista played in Kaka's position when Brazil won the 2007 Copa America. Kaka did not play the tournament because he was on vacation following the European season, and Julio Baptista was a key player in the tournament, scoring a goal in the 3-0 win over Argentina in the final.
"I'm ready to step in if needed," Julio Baptista said. "I've played in that position and I'm prepared."
Barcelona's Daniel Alves is a reserve right back but is also an alternative for the midfield. He has been Dunga's first option as a substitute for several positions, including Kaka's. He came in for Elano in Brazil's opening 2-1 win against North Korea in the 73rd minute, and replaced Elano again when the midfielder injured his right ankle against Ivory Coast in the 67th minute.
"I know Dunga has confidence in how I play," Daniel Alves said. "I've been practicing hard and showing that I can play well if he picks me."
Dunga could repeat the second-half change he made in the match against North Korea, using striker Nilmar and moving Robinho back to a playmaking position. Robinho said he liked playing in that role and could do it again if needed.
"I wouldn't be a problem for me," he said. "We can make it work that way too."
Ramires also came off the bench against Ivory Coast, replacing Robinho in the 90th minute. The dynamic midfielder was a reserve when Brazil arrived for the Confederations Cup a year ago, but gained a starting spot and eventually helped Brazil win the title. He also was a member of Brazil's team which won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.
Kleberson can also play in Kaka's position if Dunga wants a more defensive setup against Portugal, but the former Manchester United player hasn't been getting many chances recently.
All the reserves practiced against a local team on Monday, winning 7-1 with two goals by Grafite and one each by Julio Baptista, Daniel Alves, Ramires, Kleberson and an own goal.
Kaka's red card was his first while playing for the national team. It came in the 88th minute at Soccer City Stadium after Ivory Coast's Kader Keita ran into him while going for the ball. The Brazilian dropped his elbow to protect himself as Keita moved in and the referee gave a second yellow card for Kaka.
Kaka was disappointed with the decision, but said he would use the time off to continue improving his physical condition after a season filled with injuries with Real Madrid kept him from playing at his best in the first two matches.
"He will be able to rest a little more," Dunga said.
