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May 13, 2010

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Ronnie, Vieira miss out on World Cup

RONALDINHO was left out of Brazil's probable World Cup squad while Patrick Vieira and Karim Benzema were missing from France's 30-man squad as coaches issued their provisional lists on Tuesday.

The coaches of the 32 teams headed for next month's championship in South Africa faced a FIFA deadline on Tuesday to announce provisional 30-man squads.

The lists included some unexpected inclusions and some big names who missed out.

Brazil coach Dunga announced his main 23-man squad first, causing a fuss when Ronaldinho missed out. Dunga later unveiled a full 30-man provisional squad that included Ronaldinho, but made it clear that the AC Milan star would only be used in case of injuries. Adriano and Neymar were left out of Brazil's 30-man squad, along with three-time FIFA world player of the year Ronaldo and veteran left back Roberto Carlos.

Dunga has stuck to most of the players who helped Brazil win last year's Confederations Cup and finish top of South American 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.

"Ronaldinho's quality and capacity as a player is indisputable. But my decision has to be made based on reason. I have to make a decision based on what happens on the field."

Benzema was a surprise omission from France's provisional squad and coach Raymond Domenech said it was because of his form on the field rather than allegations of his involvement in an under-age sex scandal with an escort.

"To me this is not a concern," said Domenech, who also left out veteran midfielder Vieira but selected off-form striker Thierry Henry. "I'm only thinking about football and about what the players want to give on the pitch."

World Player of the Year Lionel Messi will lead Argentina's attack at the World Cup, but there was no room for veteran defender and Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti in coach Diego Maradona's provisional list.

The 30-man Argentina squad also included four high-profile forwards to support Barcelona's Messi - Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Milito, Martin Palermo and Carlos Tevez.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was left out of the Netherlands squad despite having recovered from a long-term knee injury. Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk said the 34-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker was not at a high-enough level to play at the World Cup.



 

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