Kaka, Robinho spearhead Brazil's title defence
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
JOHANNESBURG, Jun 9 (AFP): Powerhouse Brazil go into the Confederations Cup without Ronaldinho and Ronaldo but in Kaka and Robinho they have plenty of ammunition to defend their title.
Coach Dunga decided to drop AC Milan's out-of-form Ronaldinho while Ronaldo, despite a promising comeback from injury with Corinthians, has yet to prove he can still make an impact at the highest level.
AC Milan's Thiago Silva and former Inter Milan star Adriano also missed out on places, while Manchester United midfielder Anderson and Chelsea centre-back Alex are out injured.
"We've stuck to our guns and picked players who are doing well at club level," said Dunga of a team that beat Argentina 4-1 in a pulsating Confederations Cup final four years ago in Germany.
"We have to use common sense to do the best for Brazil. Ronaldinho is going through a difficult period. He needs to play more."
Three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo said himself that he wasn't yet ready for an international return.
Coach Dunga decided to drop AC Milan's out-of-form Ronaldinho while Ronaldo, despite a promising comeback from injury with Corinthians, has yet to prove he can still make an impact at the highest level.
AC Milan's Thiago Silva and former Inter Milan star Adriano also missed out on places, while Manchester United midfielder Anderson and Chelsea centre-back Alex are out injured.
"We've stuck to our guns and picked players who are doing well at club level," said Dunga of a team that beat Argentina 4-1 in a pulsating Confederations Cup final four years ago in Germany.
"We have to use common sense to do the best for Brazil. Ronaldinho is going through a difficult period. He needs to play more."
Three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo said himself that he wasn't yet ready for an international return.