The Confederations Cup is a month away but Brazilian Coach Felipe Scolari has already announced his squad for the Brazilian national team.
The selection is filled with the usual suspects including goalie Julio Cesar, defenders Dani Alves, Marcelo, Dante, and David Luiz. At midfield Brazil has the likes of Oscar, Paulinho, and Lucas Moura with such strikers as Neymar, Hulk, and Leandro Damiao leading the charge.
There are a number of surprising absences from the rotation. Kaka was recalled a number of times throughout the year but will miss the cut. Atletico Miniero's Ronaldinho was also cut from the team after being recalled earlier by Scolari. Other players that will not compete for Brazil in the Confederations Cup include Alexandre Pato, Dedé, and Chelsea midfielder Ramires. Kaka was the centerpiece of the 2010 World Cup Brazilian squad while Ronaldinho was the face of the 2006 version.
Brazil plays a friendly against England on June 2. The Cup chase starts on June 15 when Brazil takes on Japan. On the 19th, they will face Mexico and will finish the group stage play on June 22 against Italy.
Check out the full lineup below.
Goalkeepers: Julio César (QPR), Jefferson (Botafogo) and Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense).
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Jean (Fluminense), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Filipe Luis (Atlético Madrid) Thiago Silva (PSG), Réver (Atlético-MG), David Luiz (Chelsea) and Dante (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders: Fernando (Grêmio), Hernanes (Lazio), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Paulinho (Corinthians), Jadson (São Paulo), Oscar (Chelsea) and Lucas Moura (PSG).
Forwards: Hulk (Zenit), Bernard (Atlético-MG), Leandro Damião (Internacional), Fred (Fluminense) and Neymar (Santos).