Brazil have named an inexperienced squad for the Copa America which starts in July, leaving out practically all their first team choices.
Only one member of the victorious World Cup 2002 squad will be present, Kleberson of Manchester United, who has endured a poor season in the Premiership.
Bowing down to internal pressure, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has rested all his big names, preferring to keep them fresh for Brazil’s World Cup 2006 qualifier against Bolivia in September.
“The Copa America is a very important tournament, but the team needs a rest,” said Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho.
Brazil currently lead their World Cup qualifying group by one point from Argentina.
The squad for the Copa America includes Arsenal’s Edu and Leverkusens Juan, while many youngsters, including starlet Luis Fabiano, who plays for Sao Paulo, will be looking to make a big impression.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Flamengo) and Fabio (Vasco da Gama)
Defenders: Mancini (Roma), Maicon (Cruzeiro), Gustavo Nery (Sao Paulo), Gilberto (Sao Caetano), Bordon (Stuttgart), Cris (Cruzeiro), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen), Luisao (Benfica)
Midfielders: Dudu Cearense (Kashiwa Reysol), Renato (Santos), Kleberson (Manchester United), Edu (Arsenal), Diego (Santos), Julio Baptista (Sevilla), Alex (Fenerbahce), Felipe (Flamengo)
Forwards: Adriano (Internazionale), Ricardo Oliveira (Valencia), Vagner Love (Palmeiras), Luis Fabiano (Sao Paulo)
