Luizao is not known for his work-rate outside the penalty area - more for his prolific scoring rate inside it.

He helped clinch Brazil's place in the finals with a brace in the 3-0 qualifying victory over Venezuela last November.

But a troubled season at club level almost cost him a place on the plane.

He took Corinthians to court when they refused to sell him to Gremio at the start of 2002 - and won - but while his future was decided he was sidelined for two months, only returning in mid-March.

Luiz Felipe Scolari dropped him from the national side during the dispute - but he returned immediately afterwards and, as a big favourite of the coach, he has featured at times this summer.