(REUTERS) – Forward Adriano and former World Player-of-the-Year Ronaldinho were left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Coach Dunga also refused to bow to pressure to call up Santos youngsters Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar, instead announcing a squad packed with defensive midfielders. Ronaldinho was dropped by Dunga in April last year after a poor run of form at both international level and for his club Milan.
He has had a much improved season for the Serie A club but has not done enough to convince the coach he deserves a recall.
Former Internazionale striker Adriano, top scorer last year when Flamengo won the Brazilian championship, has struggled for form and with off-field issues as well he has played in roughly half his club’s games.
Dunga’s choice left Brazil heavily dependent on Kaka for midfield creativity and could leave them short of options if he gets injured.
VfL Wolfsburg striker Grafite, overlooked last year when he was the Bundesliga’s top scorer with 28 goals, was included.
The 31-year-old was given a surprise call-up for February’s friendly against Ireland, when he made only his second international appearance.
Brazil, five-time world champions, face Portugal, North Korea and Ivory Coast in Group G, which is one of the toughest pools in the tournament.
Full squad list:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur); Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan); Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg); Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (VfL Wolfsbur).