Ronaldinho, Adriano and Neymar out of Brazil’s initial World Cup roster

Ronaldinho, Adriano out of Brazil’s initial roster

SAO PAULO — Ronaldinho, Adriano and Neymar were left off Brazil’s 23-player World Cup roster on Tuesday.

Coach Dunga was to announce seven others later Tuesday, completing the team’s preliminary 30-man list, which was due to FIFA. The 23-man list doesn’t have to be finalized until June 1.

Kaka, Robinho, Maicon and Julio Cesar made the cut, but three-time FIFA player of the year Ronaldo and veteran left back Roberto Carlos were not selected.

Dunga is sticking to most of the players who helped Brazil win last year’s Confederations Cup and finish first in South American World Cup qualifying.

“These players are winners,” Dunga said. “There is no doubt that they are prepared to help Brazil reach its goal. They are ready to give their best for the country.”

One of the biggest surprises was the absence of Adriano, who had been constantly called up by Dunga in recent matches. But there had been doubts because of recent off-the-field problems that caused him to miss several training sessions with Flamengo.

“We gave Adriano numerous chances,” Dunga said. “But it came to a time when we had to make a decision.”

Wolfsburg’s Grafite was called up to take Adriano’s place.

Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos were expected to be left out, but there was still some hope for Ronaldinho. Atwo-time FIFA player of the year, Ronaldinho hadn’t been called up for the national team since April 2009, but had been playing well this season with AC Milan.

Brazilian fans and local media had also been pushing for Dunga to summon Santos young sensations Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso, who have been among the top players in Brazil this year.

The 18-year-old forward Neymar has dazzled fans with his speed and balls skills, being called by many as the new Robinho. The 20-year-old Ganso, or Goose in Portuguese, attracted attention for his maturity and ability as a playmaker. Along with Robinho, they led Santos to more than 100 goals in some 30 matches this year.

“Some players are extremely talented, but we have to test them before taking them to a World Cup,” Dunga said. “Maybe they are ready to play in a World Cup now, but maybe they are not.”

Kaka is likely to be Brazil’s leader in South Africa, commanding a midfield which also could have World Cup veteran Gilberto Silva as a starter, and maybe even Barcelona’s Daniel Alves. The defense will be anchored by Juan and Lucio, and the attack will be set up with Luis Fabiano and Robinho.

Just three of the 20 are based in Brazil: Gilberto, Kleberson and Robinho.

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan, Italy), Doni (AS Roma, Italy), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham, England)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona, Spain), Juan (AS Roma, Italy), Maicon (Inter Milan, Italy), Michel Bastos (Lyon, France), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan, Italy), Luisao (Benfica, Portugal), Thiago Silva (AC Milan, Italy)

Midfielders: Elano (Galatasaray, Turkey), Felipe Melo (Juventus, Brazil), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos, Greece), Josue (Wolfsburg, Germany), Julio Baptista (AS Roma, Italy), Kaka (Real Madrid, Spain), Kleberson (Flamengo), Ramires (Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards: Grafite (Wolfsburg, Germany), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla, Spain), Nilmar (Villarreal, Spain), Robinho (Santos)