Coach: Dunga
Player to Watch: Luis Fabiano
World Ranking: 1
World Cup Record: Have appeared in every World Cup – Winners in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 & 2002
Group G Schedule:
15 June – Brazil v North Korea
20 June – Brazil v Ivory Coast
25 June – Portugal v Brazil
Dunga appears to have lost patience with former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho who has not been picked since March last year despite improved performances for AC Milan this season.
Dunga has also left striker Adriano out of the squad. Brazil are desperately short of creative midfielders and many people feel Dunga should have given a chance to 20-year-old Santos prodigy Paulo Henrique Ganso. Many are surprised to see Robinho in the team but he tends to put his club problems behind him when he plays for his country.
Forwards Nilmar and Luis Fabiano have averaged more than a goal every two games for Brazil. Kaka, on his day, is still one of the world's most exciting players and could benefit from Real Madrid's Champions League failure as he is less likely to be burned out.
The Inter Milan trio of Julio Cesar, one of the world's best goalkeepers, powerhouse fullback Maicon and bruising central defender Lucio form the backbone of one of international soccer's most imposing defences.
Final Squad:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham)
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)
Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma)
Forwards: Robinho (Santos/Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg)
