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First, let's discuss those who didn't make it. Adriano, more concerned with partying in Brazil's favelas and booze, deserved to be sidelined and will now be remembered as the only idiot who ruled himself out of the world's largest football party.
Ronaldinho Gaucho brings mixed feelings; although he has a delightful history playing for Brazil, his recent form hasn't convinced Dunga. Not only that, but his excessive partying antics and samba playing in 2006 didn't go down too well after Brazil's ridiculous defeat to France in Germany '06. Part of the "reserve 7", but will likely watch the Cup with a few hookers and booze in his Milanese pad.
As for spoiled brats Ganso and Neymar, from Santos... well, from a footballing perspective only, they certainly deserved to go. But arrogance and lack of experience had their toll. So although Ganso is in the "reserve 7", he won't make it, as Ronaldinho is surely ahead in line here.
Forwards:
Robinho (Santos) - One of Dunga's knights. Robinho hasn't displayed consistent good football since leaving Santos, but had quietly done the job for Brazil under Dunga. The player will nor make or break his career in South Africa, so expect him to at least run and serve up Luis Fabiano some quality passes.
Luís Fabiano (Sevilla) - A top 5 striker today, Fabiano can score from all sorts of places and angles. Hot headed and straight to the point, Fabiano has everything to make his first World Cup a memorable one for all those who like (and dislike) Brazilian football.
Nilmar (Villarreal) - Very fast and so skilled he doesn't even need to keep his eyes on the ball. Certainly Dunga's first choice in the bench for an attacking player. Fantastic goal record.
Grafite (Wolfsburg) - The biggest surprise of all. A decent season last year in Germany gave him this spot, which had Adriano written all over it. Grafite is an average player, with a good kick, but that's about it. Honestly doesn't deserve to be here, but now that he is, best of luck.
Attacking midfielders:
Ramires (Benfica) - solid midfielder who can both attack and defend in the midfield. Far from being a star, Ramires may even figure in the starting 11.
Elano (Galatasaray) - some brilliant display in Manchester City meant Elano's name was certain for the list. Tactically perfect, Elano can score scorchers from way out without forgetting defensive responsibilities.
Kaká (Real Madrid) - in top form, the world's best midfilder by a long shot. The question is whether or not he will be match fit for the Cup. Recent losses in the UEFA Champions League, as well as La Liga, will hopefully make him hungry for glory.
Júlio Baptista (Roma) - strong build, great kick, good character. Baptista has been faithful to Dunga and has been rewarded. Good ball possession skills.
Defensive midfielders:
Felipe Melo (Juventus) - nobody is really sure why Dunga like Melo so much as he is a very limited player. Melo can kick some ass in midfield and occasionally pass the ball with purpose, but there are plenty of better midfielders in Brazil that should be here instead.
Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos) - came outta nowhere in Scolari's 2002 list and really hasn't lost his place yet. A quiet leader, Silva will own the midfield and voice his vast experience at both club and national team level. The heart of Brazil's defensive system.
Josué (Wolfsburg) - a small but very agile and persistent chaser, Josue has gained discipline in Germany and has great game pace. Definitely bench.
Kleberson (Flamengo) - like Silva, came outta nowhere in 2002 and has been on and off Brazil's roster. A good player, but will likely be benched.
Defenders:
Juan (Roma) - vastly experienced, Juan has dozens of caps for Brazil. A household name under Scolari, Parreira and Dunga, Juan is a leader and looked upon in positive light by many. Very likely to be in starting 11.
Lúcio (Inter Milan) - a real monster as he has shown both for Brazil as well as Inter Milan (more recently). Lucio has great character, is a hardworker and deserves to captain Brazil. Often adventures into midfield and is highly technical for a player of his position and stature.
Luisão (Benfica) - very solid defender, has been in Dunga's list for quite some time. Has acquired european experience for Benfica and is used to the pressure. Bench likely as will yield to more experienced Juan.
Thiago Silva (Milan) - a solid defender, albeit young and still inexperienced for the pressures of a World Cup. Promising future and a very likely to take center stage in 2014.
Fullbacks:
Maicon (Inter Milan) - a monster in attack, pretty good defending too. Maicon has great presence and can be relied on for goals and great assists. Will hopefully have a memorable WC.
Daniel Alves (Barcelona) - already a legend in Barcelona, Dani Alves is unlucky enough to have someone like Maicon ahead of him in line, as he easily has enough quality to make it to the squad. Will likely sit out then.
Gilberto (Cruzeiro) - reliable and regularly played under Dunga, Gilberto's name was almost a certainty. A good choice, but pity Dani Alves isn't a left-back...
Michel Bastos (Lyon) - powerful kick and a good defensive attitude. Bastos can also support the attack and he is quite technical.
Goalkeepers:
Julio Cesar (Inter Milan) - probably the world's top goalkeeper currently, Julio Cesar's miraculous saves and defensive leadership have made him a household name too. Nobody comes close to him today so this spot is well deserved.
Gomes (Tottenham) - ups and downs at White Heart Lane has seen Gomes been questioned by many, but experience and a serene attitude have favored him to make it to the list. Dunga's 2nd choice.
Doni (Roma) - a surprise, Dunga's 3rd choice has seen good day in Roma, and will more likely than not be a mere spectator in South Africa.
That's it boys and girls, agree? Looking forward to a great summer and World Cup!
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