The continued selections of Elias and Ronaldinho will no doubt raise some eye-brows, given Mano Menezes’ comments on the latter’s ability at international level following the fixture with Ghana last September. Whilst Luisão has also been recalled in defence.
Many of Santos’ Copa Libertadores winners make the squad, including goalkeeper Rafael who has displaced Jefferson and full-back Alex Sandro, despite his struggles in Portugal since a move last summer.
Notable omissions from the squad include the Milan pairing of Pato and Robinho, Real Madrid’s Kaká, Inter’s Maicon and Lúcio, Manchester United full-backs Rafael and Fábio, as well as PSG’s Nenê, who many feel has been well deserving of a call-up for some time.
Goalkeepers: Julio César (Internazionale), Diego Alves (Valencia), Rafael (Santos)
Defenders: Luisão (Benfica), David Luiz (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (Milan), Dedé (Vasco)
Full-backs: Adriano (Barcelona), Alex Sandro (Porto), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Elias (Sporting Lisbon), Fernandinho (Shakhtar), Ganso (Santos), Hernanes (Lazio), Danilo (Porto), Sandro (Tottenham)
Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Hulk (Porto), Jonas (Valencia), Leandro Damião (Internacional), Lucas Moura (São Paulo), Ronaldinho (Flamengo)
