The 30-year-old Ronaldinho, part of the 2002 World Cup-winning team, made his last appearance for Brazil in April 2009 while Dunga had expressed concern over Adriano’s fitness. “The players who I have called up enjoy my complete confidence,” said Dunga. “Unfortunately I was only able to select 23 players. “I judged them on their commitment, attitude, and the ability of the players to assume responsibility and at the same time inject passion into their performances.”
Zanetti overlooked by Maradona Inter Milan duo Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti have been left out of Argentina’s provisional 30- man squad for this summer’s World Cup. Full-back Zanetti and midfielder Cambiasso have been omitted despite playing a key role in Inter’s march to the Champions League final. Cambiasso, who helped Argentina reach the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002, has never played under Maradona but the coach was under pressure to select the 29-year-old because of his fine form for Inter. Zanetti, a veteran of the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, has a record 136 caps for his country.
Viera’s French snub Arsenal’s Samir Nasri, Manchester City’s Patrick Vieira and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema have been left out of France’s World Cup squad. Exskipper Vieira was not included by coach Raymond Domenech’s initial squad for the finals in South Africa. “We have been following Pat for a while, hoping he could make it to the World Cup,” said Domenech. “It’s a difficult moment. We tried, he did too. It’s tough but there comes a time when you need to make a decision”.
Published in the Express Tribune, May 13th, 2010.
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