Dunga overlooks Ronaldinho

Tuesday 9 February 2010
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."
You (the press) always want big-name players. But for us there is no such thing as a big name or a small name. We can't create problems for ourselves.
Dunga explains why Ronaldinho did not make his latest Brazil squad


However, the Seleção coach refused to close the door on Ronaldinho's chances of making his squad for the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup.

"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 ona 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