Ronaldinho’s hopes of appearing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa received a sizeable blow today when he was overlooked for Brazil’s friendly against Republic Ireland.
The match, which will take place in London on 2 March, will be the five-time world champions’ last outing before they travel to the tournament, and the 29-year-old playmaker’s omission suggests coach Dunga has been unmoved by his recent return to form with AC Milan.
“You (the press) always want big-name players. But for us there is no such thing as a big name or a small name,” said Dunga. “We can’t create problems for ourselves.”
“Every player has a chance,” said the USA 1994-winning captain. “We look at the best options for the squad. This time he (Ronaldinho) didn’t make it.”
Robinho, who joined former club Santos on a six-month loan deal from Manchester City last month, was included in the squad, while there was a recall for Cruzeiro’s Gilberto.
Brazil were drawn alongside Portugal, Côte d’Ivoire and Korea DPR in Group G at South Africa 2010. They will begin their campaign against the North Koreans in Johannesburg on 15 June.
Brazil squad
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma)
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Juan (Roma), Lucio (Inter Milan), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)
Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Lucas (Liverpool), Kaka (Real Madrid), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo)
Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Adriano (Flamengo), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)
Tags: Brazil, Dunga, Ronaldinho, world cup
