Júlio César (Internazionale)
Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)
Doni (Roma)
Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Maicon (Internazionale)
Gilberto (Cruzeiro)
Michel Bastos (Lyon)
Lúcio (Internazionale)
Juan (Roma)
Luisão (Benfica)
Thiago Silva (Milan)
Felipe Melo (Juventus)
Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos)
Ramires (Benfica)
Elano (Galatasaray)
Josué (Wolfsburg)
Júlio Baptista (Roma)
Kléberson (Flamengo)
Kaká (Real Madrid)
Luís Fabiano (Sevilla)
Robinho (Santos)
Nilmar (Villarreal)
Grafite (Wolfsburg)
Speculation has been rife in recent weeks over potential call-ups for youngsters Neymar and Paulo Henrique, but neither made the final list. Ronaldinho too was left out, despite a significant recent lobby for his conclusion. These decisions should hardly shock us; Dunga is known, after all, for being the most stubborn of coaches. There were no places either for Diego, Alexandre Pato, or Marcelo.
Grafite; the biggest surprise of Dunga's squad.The only major surprise is the selection of Wolfsburg striker Grafite ahead of Adriano, but given the latter's physical condition in recent months, this looks wise on Dunga's part. Heurelho Gomes' excellent form at Spurs should ensure that he is the main back-up for Júlio César, especially as Doni has been relegated to 3rd choice at Roma.
Interestingly, neither the left-backs who appeared in Brazil's Confederations Cup win (André Santos and Kléber) have earnt a place in the selection. Both flattered to deceive defensively, but judgement is still out on whether either Michel Bastos or Gilberto represent an improvement in that respect.
Kléberson returns to the biggest stage of all after 8 years.Brazil also boast the experience of four members of the winning 2002 squad; Lúcio, Kaká, Gilberto Silva and Kléberson. The selection of the former Manchester United midfielder man caps a marvellous story of footballing redemption. At the time of the 2006 edition in Germany, Kléberson was 26, and should have been at the peak of his powers. Rather than starring in his second World Cup, however, he was struggling at Besiktas in Turkey, and was barely even under consideration when Felipão named his squad. Now, after recovering his form and confidence at Flamengo, he will hope to make a difference in South Africa.
(Photo credits; (1) AP, (2) Unknown.)
Agree with Adriano being left out? Frankly, he doesn't deserve to go in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteKleberson has been playing well of late, don't think his place was in any real doubt.
Will be interesting to see the seven reserve players - any views on that?
Vitor will now doubt be called up as the standby goalkeeper but I'd like to think uncapped Jefferson wasn't too far off.
Yeah agree with Adriano entirely, don't think he's in the right physical or mental condition to help the team.
ReplyDeleteKléberson deserves his place I think, he's a clever little player.
4 strikers and no Pato or Diego??? Dunga has lost it, a bit. This looks like a cattenacio squad.
ReplyDeleteI guess Dunga would say that Diego's played poorly, and Pato's been injured half the season. But then again he picked Felipe Melo (who's been even worse than Diego) and Kaká, (who's been injured as much as Pato).
ReplyDeleteProbably the main reason is that neither have played as well for the seleção as they have at club level, whereas people like Luis Fabiano, Robinho, and even Nilmar tend to step it up for Brazil.