Brazil - Final Squad/ Wot no Ronaldinho?

Let's check out Brazil's final 23. No Ronaldinho as was anticipated - Dunga seems to have lost patience with him over the last couple of years despite his decent showings for Milan in the second half of the season. I'd have him on the bench at least. Take your big players - they'll always nick an important goal for you even if they don't make the starting 11. I'd have taken Ronaldo too. While we're at it what's Zico up to this June and July?

Man City misfit, Robinho, does make the cut and I wouldn't bet against him making some impact in South Africa. And always god to see a Spurs goalie in the World Cup - let's hope you get a run-out Mr Gomes. Just try and leave your occasionals bursts of flapping back in North London. In defence I've got a lot of time for Dani Alves - surely the best right-back in the world?

On paper at least, the squad doesn't inspire as much excitement as in previous years. A lot rests on Kaka's shoulders. Fabiano is no Ronaldo either - is he good enough to fire the Samba Kings all the way to the final? I'd be surprised. But, as qualification demonstrated, definitely hard to beat. And that could be enough.

Much pressure on Dunga as he faces criticism for the style of football his side is playing. He's on a hiding to nothing - there aren't many coaches in the tournament who could win the World Cup and still take the flak. If they fall early then of course he was wrong all along in the eyes of the supporters and media. But I tend to agree with the pro-flair lobby - if we can't rely on Brazil to teach us the Beautiful Game then all is not right on Planet Football.

Between the sticks:

Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham)

Kicking lumps:

Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Roma), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon)

Mincing about:

Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Josue (Wolfsburg), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica), Kleberson (Flamengo), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma)

Grabbing the glory:

Robinho (Santos/Manchester City), Nilmar (Villarreal), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Grafite (Wolfsburg)