Ronaldinho omitted from Brazil´s World Cup squad

There was no place for Ronaldinho or Adriano in Dunga’s 23-strong squad for the World Cup announced on Tuesday.

The double absence did not come as a surprise as the duo played only minor roles in qualifying for the June 11-July 11 World Cup in South Africa.

The 30-year-old Ronaldinho, part of the 2002 World Cup-winning team, made his last appearance for Brazil in April 2009 while Dunga had expressed concern over Adriano’s missed club training and weight problems.

There were two major surprises, however, in Dunga’s inclusion of VfL Wolfsburg striker Grafite, in Adriano’s place, and Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, have been drawn in Group G alongside Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter/ITA), Doni (Roma/ITA), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham/ENG)

Defenders: Luisao (Benfica/POR), Lucio (Inter/ITA), Juan (Roma/ITA), Thiago Silva (AC Milan/ITA), Daniel Alves (Barcelona/ESP), Maicon (Inter/ITA), Michel Bastos (Lyon/FRA), Gilberto (Cruzeiro)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos/GRE), Josue (Wolfsburg/GER), Elano (Galatasaray/TUR), Kaka (Real Madrid/ESP), Ramires (Benfica/POR), Felipe Melo (Juventus/ITA), Julio Baptista (Roma/ITA), Kleberson (Flamengo)

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla/ESP), Nilmar (Villarreal/ESP), Grafite (Wolfsburg/GER), Robinho (Santos)