5 Brazil Squad Members Heading for Their Last Chance

Brazil take on Turkey and Austria in the coming days, with Dunga testing out some fringe options in the absence of the Selecao's regular Brazil-based players.

That means there will be opportunities aplenty to impress the freshly returned Brazil boss. However, it could also be that some players write themselves out of his long-term thinking should they fail to impress.

Given that Dunga would appear to be in place for the next three-and-a-half years, that could well be the death knell for some international careers should it happen.

Who, then, is in desperate need of a good performance this week? 

Diego Alves

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Diego Alves may not quite be in the last-chance saloon yet, but he has a big challenge ahead of him having been handed the No. 1 jersey for the clash with Turkey.

Both of his understudies, Rafael Cabral and Neto, are now regular starters with Serie A sides Napoli and Fiorentina respectively. Meanwhile, Jefferson will return to a starting role next time around.

As a result, Diego has much to prove.

He has been given a starting role largely due to his vast experience, but he must show that he has something to offer the Selecao if he is to remain in contention.

If not, his younger and potentially higher-level colleagues will quickly usurp him in the eyes of the Brazil management. 

Mario Fernandes

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CSKA Moscow full-back Mario Fernandes made his first senior international appearance last time out for Brazil, but he was a surprise recall having disappeared off the radar in Russia.

He has now been forgiven for previously turning down an international call-up but must prove he is up to the task.

He is more defensively minded than most Brazilian full-backs, but that simply means his errors will be given greater scrutiny.

Brazil may not have a vintage crop of full-backs, but there are plenty on the radar. Rafael will believe he deserves a recall, while youngsters Mayke, Auro and Fabinho are progressing well.

It is now time for Mario Fernandes to stand up and justify his reputation. 

Luiz Adriano

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The current top scorer in the 2014-15 Champions League, Luiz Adriano has waited a long time for his Brazil call-up and will have potentially two opportunities to prove his worth.

His scoring record for Shakhtar is excellent, and on that basis, his inclusion for Brazil is completely justified. Staying in the squad when the likes of Everton Ribeiro, Robinho and Diego Tardelli return, though, is another matter.

He will now seemingly start against Turkey and have 90 minutes to justify further inclusion against Austria. He has the talent and scoring ability to be of use but must prove as much in a Brazil shirt.

Should he fail, it could be a long time before he is seen again at this level. 

Douglas Costa

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A surprise inclusion, Douglas Costa's career has been going well in Ukraine without ever really threatening to explode in the manner expected of him as a kid.

However, he has skills that will be of potential use to the Selecao, with his speed and ability to dribble the ball at such pace ideally suited to the counter-attacking game plan that Dunga so enjoys.

Douglas has long been anticipated to be a future star for the national side, but he could hardly be said to have been barging down the door.

If he can take to the international stage with the ease his talent should allow him, he will be back in the future.

Fail to do so, and a second call-up could take some time. 

Casemiro

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Perhaps the most contentious of Dunga's selections this time around, Real Madrid-owned Casemiro is on loan at Porto but has yet to find his best form this season.

The 22-year-old is an incredible talent, with a combination of natural strength and deftness of touch that seemingly should not work together. However, his attitude and laziness can be a real issue.

For all Casemiro's ability, he makes sloppy mistakes due to complacency. His best games are also few and far between. Dunga has taken a gamble in calling him up, and it is up to the youngster to prove his worth as doubters circle.