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Brazil name youthful squad for Croker friendly
January 24, 2008
Brazil head coach Dunga has named a young but potential-laden squad for the friendly international against the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park in two weeks’ time.
Several of the Samba Stars’ most high-profile players, including former World Players of the Year Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, have been omitted.
But in their stead are a host of young players, many already with massive European clubs, desperate to impress ahead of Brazil’s Olympic bid in Beijing later this year.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva and Manchester United’s Anderson will be familiar to Premier League fans.
Eighteen-year-old Alexandre Pato is widely tipped as one of the superstars of the future and is already making waves with Milan and Bayern Munich’s Breno is regarded as a stylish playmaking central defender in the tradition of German legend Franz Beckenbauer.
Ronaldo and Ronaldinho may be absent but Brazil’s top current player, Ballon d’Or holder Kaka, is in the squad, as are eminently recognisable stars such as Robinho, Gilberto Silva, Lucio and Alex.
Brazil squad (v. Rep of Ireland, Feb 6th, 2008):
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Internazionale), Renan (Internacional).
Defenders: Maicon (Internazionale), Rafinha (Schalke), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Lucio, Breno (both Bayern Munich), Luisao (Benfica), Alex (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Kaka (Milan), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Josue (Wolfsburg), Lucas (Liverpool), Richarlyson (Sao Paulo), Anderson (Man Utd), Thiago Neves (Fluminense), Julio Baptista (Real Madrid).
Forwards: Robinho, Luis Fabiano (both Real Madrid), Rafael Sobis (Betis), Alexandre Pato (Milan).
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