Brazilian top 5

On the eve of the Qantas Young Socceroos' fourth meeting with Brazil, we rate the top 5 Brazilians we’ve done battle with at U-20 level.

The Qantas Young Socceroos have faced Brazil three times at FIFA U-20 World Cup level, winning once and losing twice. Our first meeting was in 1993, when Brazil outfoxed Australia 2-0 in the semi final, the second was a commanding 4-0 quarter final win in 2001, while our last meeting ended with an Aussie victory - a 3-2 win in the final group match (Australia played Czech in the opening game of that tournament also) with Anthony Danze netting a double while Spase Dilevski added a third.

On the eve of our fourth meeting, we rate the top 5 Brazilians we-ve done battle with at U-20 level.

1. Kaka (2001) It doesn-t get much bigger than Kaka, arguably the best player in the world and fittingly joined ‘Galacticos II- at Real Madrid this season, along with Cristiano Ronaldo. The attacking midfielder is almost the complete attacking midfielder - he glides past opponents with silky skills, releases teammates with phenomenal vision, scores goals and works hard defensively. The model professional and model footballer.

2. Adriano (2001) As the Qantas Young Socceroos can testify, Adriano possesses one of the most dangerous left feet in world football. After the 2001 tournament he quickly broke into the senior side and formed part of the deadly attacking quartet at the 2006 World Cup along with Ronaldo, Kaka and Ronaldinho, who fell at the semi final stage amid massive expectations. Looks set for a chance at redemption in 2010.

3. Dida (Brazil, 1993) While a number of stars didn-t kick on, such as Gian, Cate and player of tournament Adriano, Dida did go on to forge a successful career and play at a senior World Cup. In 1993 he was part of a Brazilian side that kept Ante Milicic (Australia-s current assistant) at bay in the 2-0 quarter final win. A long-time Milan teammate of Australian Zeljko Kalac, who was back up to Mark Bosnich at the U-20 World Cup in 1991.

4. Daniel Alves (2003) Not as big a name as some of the aforementioned but has managed to win a Champions League crown, playing a key role as Barcelona-s attacking right back last season - in true Brazilian fashion - after signing from Seville. Alves lined up against Australia at the 2003 tournament, which Australia went on to win 3-2 in the final game of the group (how we hope history repeats). Australia went on to lose to the United Arab Emirates in the round of 16.

5. Maicon (2001) Continues Brazil-s long line of superb right backs, after Jorginho and Cafu. Like Daniel Alves, Maicon loves to push forward so much so that he is one of his team-s main attacking threats. He can beat players with ease and can whip in superb crosses, helping Inter to three Serie A titles since joining from Monaco. Currently holds down the right back position for Brazil, ahead of Alves.