Ronaldinho fails to win Brazil recall

February 9, 2010

Ronaldinho’s hopes of a Brazil recall received a sizeable blow on Tuesday when he was left out of Dunga’s squad for the team’s final friendly prior to the World Cup against Ireland on March 2.

The friendly match in London is the squad’s last outing before they travel to South Africa for the tournament and Ronaldinho’s omission suggests Dunga has been unmoved by the winger’s recent return to form with AC Milan.

Robinho, who joined former club Santos on a six-month loan deal from Manchester City last month, has been included in the squad.

Five-time champions Brazil were drawn alongside Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea in World Cup Group G.

They begin their campaign against North Korea in Johannesburg on June 15.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan, ITA), Doni (Roma, ITA)

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

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

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Adriano (Flamengo), Nilmar (Villarreal, ESP), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla, ESP)

BRASILIA (AFP)