BRAZIL

Five time World Cup winners Brazil's 23 man squad will be enough to strike fear into the hearts of other nations as manager Dunga has produced a squad that, despite lacking the traditional flair that Brazil are associated with, is powerful and ruthless as they fired their way to the top of the South American qualifying group. The Brazilians, who are already in South Africa preparing for their World Cup, are as usual amongst the favourites to win the tournament.

There were several major omissions that signal that Dunga is attempting to leave behind the traditional samba flair and replace it with a hard working physical side that was so typical of his game. There was no place in the squad for two time Fifa world player of the World Ronaldinho, a major surprise as the AC Milan player had been desperate to be included following a run of good late season form, a season that included 15 goals in all competitions. Elsewhere Adriano was left out after a good season with Flamengo in which he netted 19 times. Alexandre Pato, who made his return to action in Milan's last game of the season, was also not included in the squad after a frustrating season consisting of numerous hamstring injuries which resulted in Pato appearing just 20 times, although he did score 12 goals. However Dunga did find a place for Kaká, who has been struggling with injury but his 8 goals in 22 appearances in his first season in Madrid, were enough to convince Dunga.

Luis Fabiano, top scorer at the Confederations Cup with 5 goals, has echoed Dunga's philosophy by suggesting that the most important thing is winning by any means "If it is necessary to play dirty to win, we will do it, what counts at the World Cup it to win" Fabiano, who is amongst the front runners to take home the Golden Shoe, is expected to partner Manchester City player Robinho up front, and the two have formed a potent relationship since being paired together in 2007. A surprise inclusion is Wolfsburg striker Grafite who scored 11 times in the Bundesliga last season despite only having 2 caps for his country.

Brazil have been drawn in group G, which is widely regarded as the group of death, consisting of the Portuguese, the Ivory Coast and North Korea. Brazil kick off their campaign against North Korea, who are expected to finish bottom of the group, on the 15th June.

Key Player

Inter right back Maicon is a crucial part of Dunga's Brazilian team. Mainly used as an attacking threat, the pacey wing back is constantly getting forward to add an extra dimension to the attack. He is also defensively solid and will partner Brazil Captain and Inter team mate Lucio in defence. Maicon's attacking prowess is exemplified by the fact he was third in the assist league in Seria A last season. With Dani Alves to compete with at right back, coach Dunga is spoilt for choice.

Brazil's 23 man World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)

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

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

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (VfL Wolfsburg).

Paul Seed