Dale Mitchell will have a fully stocked lineup for Saturday's friendly with Brazil. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

Canada faces a daunting challenge when it takes on Brazil in a friendly at Qwest Field in Seattle Saturday evening as part of its preparation for the upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Canadian coach Dale Mitchell will have the unenviable task of deciding on a starting roster for the match against Brazil, the world's No. 2 ranked nation.

The Canadian roster is stocked, bolstered by the availability of European-based players who are in their off-season, but would usually not be called up for a friendly in North America.

In goal, Mitchell will likely choose from Toronto FC's Greg Sutton or Pat Onstad of the Houston Dynamo.

Both are veterans and capable of leading Canada into World Cup qualifying.

The midfield presents a lot of options with Julian de Guzman of Spain's Deportivo La Coruna, Dwayne De Rosario of the Dynamo and Atiba Hutchinson of Denmark's FC Copenhagen sure to be in the mix.

Up front, either Rob Friend or Ali Gerba, who ply their trade in Germany, will be counted on to pressure the Brazilian defence.

While Canada will have most of its top players, Brazil is missing its two most high-profile players due to injuries in AC Milan's Kaka, the 2007 FIFA world player of the year, and Ronaldinho of FC Barcelona.

Despite the losses, Brazil coach Dunga will still have a formidable lineup that includes Real Madrid stars Robinho and Julio Baptista and young AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato, who scored three goals for Brazil at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.

"It's going to be difficult, they [the Brazilians] hold possession very well and when we get the ball we have to keep possession," De Rosario said in a media conference call.

"They move well off the ball and are the most dangerous away from the ball, so we have to be good with marking them. It's very important to finish our chances and limit their chances."

'We want to play attractive soccer'

Mitchell's roster is one of the most talented Canadian squads in a long time, giving the 62nd-ranked Canadian team its best shot at qualifying for the World Cup.

But it's not just the talent that's buoying optimism among Canadian soccer fans of the first World Cup berth since Canada's lone appearance in 1986.

The team's new attacking style of play has been a breath of fresh air and cast aside doubt over the ability to score goals, a long-time weakness of the national team.

It's a style atypical of Canadian soccer under previous coaches, however, it's one welcomed by De Rosario.

"It's always refreshing to set the tone of the game," he said. "In the past, our mentality was more defensive.

"But in this era, we have a progressive mentality and we want to make a difference. We want to play attractive soccer, move the ball along the ground and score some great goals."

The style has served notice to Canada's rivals that it will be a legitimate contender for the third place in the CONCACAF qualifiers, a spot that would ensure Canada qualifies for the 2010 World Cup.

More importantly, though, the positive results have instilled an air of confidence – a slight swagger – in the team not seen for a long time.

The players like the new style, enjoy playing together and are confident in their abilities.

"We're bringing a team that's going out to get a result," De Rosario said. "We have players that are experienced, that are physically and mentally prepared after finishing playing in the European leagues.

"We play attractive soccer, and hope the fans enjoy what they see."

'It doesn't get any bigger than Brazil'

A key to Saturday's match is whether Canada can replicate its attacking style against the five-time World Cup champions.

Since last year's Gold Cup, Canada has played against Costa Rica, Iceland, South Africa, Martinique and Estonia — but those countries are not in the stratosphere of Brazil.

The lack of high-profile opponents, let alone games, is something De Rosario feels the Canadian Soccer Association must address if the national team is to make real gains in CONCACAF.

"Any time you can play a country like Brazil, it's always good," he said. "The CSA needs to set up more matches and play big opponents.

"For preparation, it's the right move to play these big countries. It doesn't get any bigger than Brazil."

Canada has played Brazil only three times in its history, with two draws and a loss.

Following the Brazil match, Canada will travel to Florida to prepare for a friendly against CONCACAF rival Panama on June 4.

The Brazil and Panama matches will be the two lone exhibition games before Canada opens its World Cup qualifying series against St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Canada will play the Caribbean island nation in a two-game playoff, with the first match in Kingstown on June 15.

Montreal will then host the return leg June 20 at the new Stade Saputo.