Ronaldinho and Kaka out of Copa America

[Ziegler1988]

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 29 (Reuters) - Ronaldinho and Kaka, who are set to feature in Brazil's friendly international against England at Wembley on Friday, are missing from coach Dunga's preliminary Copa America squad.

The Europe-based pair asked Dunga to be excused from the South American championship, to be held from June 26 to July 15 in Venezuela where Brazil will defend the title.

Dunga's 34-man squad, due to be cut down to 22 for the tournament, is also missing Ronaldo, who inspired Brazil to victory in the 2002 World Cup, and Adriano, a key figure in their win over Argentina in the 2004 Copa final.

The squad includes Germany's Footballer of the Year Diego of Werder Bremen and Real Madrid forward Robinho.

Brazil meet Mexico in their opening match in Group B on June 27. The group also includes Chile and Ecuador.
Now all we need is for Argentina to not bring Messi, Tevez, and Mascherano and we have a shot :p.

[chauchey]

You never know, because Basile isnt bringing the regular EU bunch. So leaving out Ronnie/Kaka is only leveling the field somewhat, not dipping below anyone in the odds book. ;) The tourney hasnt started, its far from over. See you on the pitch. :)

[Ziegler1988]

Preliminary squad for Brazil:
Goalkeepers: Helton (FC Porto), Doni (AS Roma), Diego (Atletico Mineiro).

Defenders: Alex Silva (Sao Paulo), Alex (PSV Eindhoven), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen), Naldo (Werder Bremen), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Sevilla), Cicinho (Real Madrid), Edmilson (FC Barcelona), Edu Dracena (Fenerbahce), Kleber (Santos), Tiago Silva (Fluminense).

Midfielders: Josue (Sao Paulo), Diego (Werder Bremen), Elano (Shakhtar Donetsk), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin), Anderson (FC Porto), Fernando (Bordeaux), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Julio Baptista (Arsenal), Lincoln (Schalke), Morais (Vasco da Gama), Ze Roberto (Santos).

Forwards: Robinho (Real Madrid), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow), Jo (CSKA Moscow), Afonso (SC Herenveen), Fred (Lyon), Carlos Eduardo (Gremio), Rafael Sobis (Real Betis).
No Dida either?

[west501]

Ronaldinho and Kaka out of Copa America

Thanks! :cool:

No Dida either?

Oh no! :mad:

[Dogme]

If Ronnie and Kaka don't join the squad, then you might as well just give the Copa Ameica trophy to Argentina now :O

[PHiN]

As far as I know, Dida has "retired" from the national team. After the WC, he asked not to be called anymore, and give the youngsters a chance, already thinking of 2010. Same goes for Cafu and Roberto Carlos.
Unless they backed out on it.

I don't think Brazil will miss Ronaldinho much, honestly. With the yellow shirt, he's not a shadow of the player he is for Barcelona, and you can really count on your fingers the number of matches that he has really played to his full potential. I don't really know why, but that's just how I see it.
Kaká, on the other hand, is always a steady force on the midfield. You know what to expect from him and he delivers it. He'll surely be missed.

[deviant]

they will do just fine with Diego

[dada]

You all know they requested the break right?

[cartbran]

Argentina and Brazil have traditionally used "B" teams in the Copa America. Leaving out some top Europe based stars should come as no surprise to anyone. I am actually surprised at how strong of a team Dunga did name for the Copa America. Hardly any Brazil-based players in the squad, which seems a departure from the norm.

[leomanya]

I disagree that Argentina has traditionally fielded "B" squads for this tournament. The fact they have won 14 Copa America titles reflects how seriously they have taken this tournament in the past. With regard to this years Copa, I think it's an open tournament, and thankfully not much attention is being paid to Uruguay.

Uruguay goes into this event for once with a far more stable and experienced squad than most of the other squads, having had 13 games under coach Tabarez while teams like Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Colombia have only had a handful of matches under their respective new coaches.

[AxelFoley]

I disagree that Argentina has traditionally fielded "B" squads for this tournament. The fact they have won 14 Copa America titles reflects how seriously they have taken this tournament in the past. With regard to this years Copa, I think it's an open tournament, and thankfully not much attention is being paid to Uruguay.

Uruguay goes into this event for once with a far more stable and experienced squad than most of the other squads, having had 13 games under coach Tabarez while teams like Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Colombia have only had a handful of matches under their respective new coaches.

Plus, we're bringing our strongest squad for the first time in a long time!!

VAMOS ARRIBA LA CELESTE!!!