Marcelo and Robinho recalled to Brazil squad
Rio de Janeiro, March 6 (IANS) Brazil coach Dunga recalled Real Madrid defender Marcelo and Santos forward Robinho to his squad for friendlies against France and Chile later this month.
There was no place for attacking midfielders Everton Ribeiro and Ricardo Goulart, who were omitted following their recent transfers to Chinese clubs. As expected, Dunga included Neymar, Thiago Silva, David Luiz and Chelsea trio Oscar, Willian and Filipe Luis. There was also a berth for Diego Tardelli, less than two months after his transfer to Shandong Luneng.
Dunga cited Tardelli's inclusion to refute claims that Asia-based players would be overlooked.
"It's the economic landscape of globalised football. Europe has countries that can no longer afford to buy Brazilian players and China is investing heavily in football. And not just in players, they have many Brazilian coaches too," Dunga said.
The 'Selecao' confront 'Les Bleus' in Paris on March 26 before taking on Chile in London on March 29. The friendlies will provide Dunga with a last chance to assess his squad for Copa America, to be played in Chile from June 11 to July 4.
Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio), Diego Alves (Valencia)
Defenders: David Luiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Miranda ( Atletico Madrid), Fabinho (Monaco), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Filipe Luis (Chelsea), Danilo (Porto)
Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Souza (Sao Paulo), Oscar (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Coutinho (Liverpool), Douglas Costa (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Forwards: Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim), Neymar (Barcelona), Diego Tardelli (Shandong Luneng), Robinho (Santos).