Brazil in the World Cup 2010

Coach Dunga announced today the players who will be in London on March 2nd to play against Ireland, the last match of the Brazilian team before the World Cup 2010.

The roster: Julio Cesar (Internazionale); Doni (Roma); Maicon (Internazionale); Daniel Alves (Barcelona); Lúcio (Internazionale); Juan (Roma); Thiago Silva (Milan); Luisão (Benfica); Michel Bastos (Lyon); Gilberto (Cruzeiro); Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos); Felipe Melo (Juventus); Josué (Wolfsburg); Kleberson (Flamengo); Ramires (Benfica); Julio Baptista (Roma); Elano (Galatasaray); Kaká (Real Madrid); Robinho (Santos); Nilmar (Villareal); Luís Fabiano (Sevilla); Adriano (Flamengo).

The list draws attention because past experiences and common sense show that there are usually few differences between the roster for the last match before the Cup and the actual roster for the Cup. The only certain alteration is that Dunga is taking only two goalkeepers to London (Julio Cesar and Doni), and will take three to South Africa (the third one will probably be Victor, from Gremio Porto Alegre).

The most noticeable absence is Ronaldinho, from Milan.

Update, Feb. 27th. Luís Fabiano got injured, and won’t be in London. To replace Fabiano, Dunga chose Grafite, currently playing in German Wolfsburg (Grafite already played in the Brazilian team, back in 2005). Besides, Dunga also called mid-fielder Carlos Eduardo, currently playing in German Hoffenheim (Carlos Eduardo is not replacing anyone, Dunga just decided to call one extra player).

Carlos Eduardo is unknown to most Brazilians. He won’t be in South Africa.  It looks like Dunga is trying to pass the messages: even if someone gets injured, he won’t call Ronaldinho (or Ronaldo, or Pato, or whoever else is being “demanded” by the media) – instead, he  preferred to call Grafite; and even if, for any other reason, any other player must be called, it will be someone of the sorts of Carlos Eduardo.

Update, March 1st. Read this interview with Dunga about the roster.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 9:16 am and is filed under matches, players.