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Updated Sunday, June 28, 2009 12:47 am TWN, AFP Confed Cup head to head — Kaka vs. DonovanThe superstar, who was the recipient of both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007, has been one of the standout acts in Brazil's near faultless march to the final. He began his career with Sao Paulo at the age of 15, making his senior debut in 2001, and soon attracted the attention of Europe's biggest clubs. The devout evangelical Christian, who lists his favorite book as the Bible, moved to AC Milan in 2003. He scored 70 goals in Serie A and 23 in the Champions League. He won the 2007 Champions League with Milan, the 2004 league title, two European Super Cups and the world club championship in 2007. He turned up in South Africa this month having done the unthinkable for AC Milan fans by signing for Real Madrid for a reported 65 million euros. While he is one of the most sought-after talents on the planet, last season was not one of his best with time on the sidelines with injuries while he has also struggled to find his best form on the pitch. Kaka, on the two-goal mark here, made his Brazil debut in January 2002 and on Sunday on his 70th cap he will be out to terrorize the U.S. with his looping runs and deadly finishing. Landon Donovan The United States' all time top scorer with 40 goals, the last coming in the 3-1 first round defeat to Italy, Donovan is an all-American football hero and a central figure in the U.S.'s surprise run to the final. A skilled attacking midfielder he picked up the Golden Ball as best player at the 1999 Under-17 world championships and earned his first senior cap in 2000. His explosive pace and vision have earned him the accolade of the most gifted American player of his generation. Born in Orlando, California he had barely turned 20 when he helped the U.S. make it into the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup. A five time American player of the Year, the 27-year-old has had mixed fortunes on the club front including a spell with Bayer Leverkusen. He is currently under contract with MLS side LA Galaxy. His cross set teammate Clint Dempsey up for the second goal in the famous 2-0 semi-final win over Spain that booked the U.S.'s ticket to Ellis Park. Married to actress Bianca Kajlich he makes his 114th appearance for his country against Brazil. Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here |
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