Mano Menezes Announces Brazil Squad for Netherlands and Romania Friendlies

For a brief World Cup history of Brazil v. Netherlands, see:

Brazil v. Netherlands: A Brief World Cup History

Brazil coach Mano Menezes announced a 28 man squad for Brazil’s June friendlies against the Netherlands and Romania. Brazil play Netherlands on June 4 in Goiania and Romania on June 7 in Sao Paolo. Mano plans to trim down the 28 man squad to 22 players by June 2 for the 2011 Copa America. Robinho returns to the Selecao after having been excluded from the friendly against Scotland. AC Milan Scudetto champion Alexander Pato joins Robinho and Neymar in the list of options up front while Mano continues to ignore Porto’s Hulk in favor of Leandro Damiao, Nilmar and Fred.

In the midfield, Ronaldinho and Kaka have been ignored in what could represent the twilight of their international careers given the explosion of youthful talent into the Selecao’s midfield since Mano took over the helm of the national team from Carlos Dunga last summer.

The June 7 game against Romania is intended as Ronaldo’s farewell game.
Paulo Henrique Ganso will be considered for the 2011 Copa America squad in light of the progress of his recovery from a recent thigh injury sustained during the Copa Libertadores.

Goalkeepers:
Victor (Gremio), Jefferson (Botafogo), Fabio (Cruzeiro), Julio Cesar (Inter)

Defenders:
Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Inter), Thiago Silva (Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Lucio (Inter), Luisao (Benfica), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Adriano (Barcelona)

Midfielders: Ramires (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Elano (Santos), Thiago Neves (Flamengo), Henrique (Cruzeiro), Jadson (Shakhtar Donetsk), Elias (Atletico Madrid), Anderson (Manchester United), Lucas (São Paulo)

Forwards:
Robinho (Milan), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Neymar (Santos), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Nilmar (Villarreal), Fred (Fluminense)