By DPA
Rio de Janeiro : Brazil’s national football team coach Dunga has left out star mid-fielder Ronaldinho from the squad that will take on Sweden in a friendly game on March 26 in London.
Dunga Tuesday called many young players who would be able to play at the Beijing Olympics in August, but also summoned Milan star Kaka – FIFA Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or in 2007 – and Real Madrid’s Robinho.
Dunga later confirmed that Ronaldinho’s absence from the squad is because of his poor form, but stressed that he expects to call the Barcelona player for two important games in the South American World Cup qualifiers in June – away against Paraguay and at home against Argentina.
“Ronaldinho is recovering his form. It is important that he stays with his team and trains. We will have two important games in the qualifiers and I hope that, by then, he will be 100 percent,” the coach said.
There are some novelties in Dunga’s list. Almeria goalkeeper Diego Alves is set to make his debut, as is defender Leo, of Gremio. They are among nine players under-23 players included in the team.
Brazil’s “Olympic” squad features Milan striker Alexandre Pato, alongside defenders Marcelo (Real Madrid) and Rafinha (Schalke 04) and midfielders Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Lucas (Liverpool), Diego (Werder Bremen) and Thiago Neves (Fluminense).
Brazil is set to play Sweden at London’s Emirates Stadium, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Brazilian World Cup title in Sweden in 1958.