Ronaldinho Left Out Of Brazil Friendly

Today Dunga announced the group that will participate in a friendly match against Estonia on August 12^th.

The Brazilian base will remain the same as the squad that won the Confederations Cup this past June. The only changes are Marcelo from Real Madrid (replacing Kleber) and Diego Tardelli from Atletico-MG (replacing Pato).

Marcelo has proven that he deserves a spot in the national team based on past performances. He was left out of the squad during the Confederations Cup and World Cup qualifiers because he was playing in a different position than customary for Real Madrid which greatly affected his performance for Real and for the National team. With new Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini he has been playing in his usual left back position.

What really caught me by surprise was the “nod” given to Diego Tardelli. While I have heard great things about this player including that he is one of the top goal scorers in the Brazilian Championship, the few times that I actually watched him play he failed to impress me. But I am not the one he has to impress and no doubt he has captured Dunga’s attention.

Based on his performance in the AC Milan’s pre-season games this past week, it doesn’t surprise me that Pato is being left out.

I am not surprised either that Ronaldinho has also been left out, but I am disappointed. I thought this would be a great chance to re-introduce him to the squad and give him an opportunity to win back his place in the national team. Especially since this is going to be a good opportunity for the players to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers against Argentina (4^th place with 22 points) and Chile (2^nd place with 26 points) in September. Perhaps it’s too early for him to stage a comeback. What do you think?

Brazilian National Team:

Júlio César (Inter de Milão-ITA)
Gomes (Tottenham-ING)

Marcelo (Real Madrid-ESP)
Daniel Alves (Barcelona-ESP)
Maicon (Inter de Milão-ITA)
André Santos (Fenerbahçe-TUR)

Lúcio (Inter de Milão-ITA)
Juan (Roma-ITA)
Luisão (Benfica-POR)
Miranda (São Paulo)

Felipe Melo (Juventus-ITA)
Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos-GRE)
Josué (Wolfsburg-ALE)
Elano (Manchester City-ING)
Kleberson (Flamengo)
Ramires (Benfica-POR)
Júlio Baptista (Roma-ITA)
Kaká (Real Madrid-ESP)

Diego Tardelli (Atlético-MG)
Robinho (Manchester City-ING)
Luis Fabiano (Sevilla-ESP)
Nilmar (Villarreal-ESP)