Brazil
Coach leaves stars Ronaldinho and Adriano off World Cup squad.
 |
| World Cup-winner Ronaldinho was placed on the reserve squad [EPA] |
Brazil are the definitive football team: the team of Pele, Carlos Alberto, Socrates and Jairzinho. Last time they won the World Cup in 2002, they were the team of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Cafu.
Now, as they aim for a sixth triumph, it is time for the new guard. Real Madrid’s Kaka could be the star in South Africa..
Coached by former midfielder Dunga, the world’s number one-ranked side kept up their record of appearing in every World Cup by qualifying with a 3-1 victory against Argentina.
Not winning another trophy would be considered a failure. Not qualifying from the Group of Death would be a trip to hell for the planet’s most celebrated team.
Goalkeepers:
Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur).
| Group G fixtures |
|
Tuesday June 15 Sunday June 20 Monday June 21 Friday June 25 |
Defenders:
Luisao (Benfica), Lucio (Inter), Juan (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Inter), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro).
Midfielders:
Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Ramires (Benfica), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo).
Forwards:
Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (Wolfsburg), Robinho (Santos).
Reserves:
Ronaldinho (AC Milan), Alex (Chelsea), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim), Sandro (Internacional Porto Alegre), Diego Tardelli (Atletico Mineiro), Paulo Ganso (Santos).