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Kaka Added to Brazil Squad for 2015 Copa America, Oscar and Dani Alves Left out
Brazil coach Dunga originally left Orlando City's Kaka, Chelsea's Oscar and Barcelona's Dani Alves out of his 23-man squad for the 2015 Copa America. However, Kaka has been added to a 30-man preliminary line-up.
Continue for updates.
Kaka Added to Preliminary Squad
Tuesday, May 12
Dunga has added a further seven names to his original squad, which now falls in line with CONMEBOL's protocol, reported by Goal.com.
However, having already named his 23 for the tournament, it seems the fan-favourite playmaker is still likely to miss out. Goal's report indicates Kaka can expect to remain absent from the competition "unless one or more of the initial selected men are forced to drop out."
Felipe Anderson, Rafinha Alcantara, Neto, Fred, Gil and Leandro Damiao have also been added to the squad. There is still no room for Oscar or Dani Alves.
Dunga Names 23-man Squad for Copa America
Tuesday, May 5
Here’s the players who were originally selected to represent the Selecao at the tournament in Chile this summer, per the team’s official Twitter account:
As noted by Brazilian football expert Robbie Blakeley, Oscar has apparently been left out of the group because of an injury:
Oscar has been part of a successful campaign for Chelsea, with the Blues recently being crowned Premier League champions. There will be some confusion surrounding Dunga’s concerns regarding fitness, however; Oscar did suffer a concussion recently in a clash with Arsenal, but he was back in the Blues squad in their very next game.
He's performed well for the national team recently, too. Indeed, Neymar aside, Oscar was probably Brazil's best player at the 2014 World Cup, featuring in every game in a variety of different positions. However, sports journalist Rafael Hernandez thinks it’s the right call from the manager:
Dunga seems to have opted for youthful options in midfield, including Hoffenheim star Roberto Firmino and Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho:
In another indication that the manager is focusing on using young players, Alves has also been left out of the 30. The wing-back has been a key man for the Selecao over the years, but after a superb season with Porto, it seems as though Danilo will fill the spot on the right side of the defence.
There is some experience at the sharp end of the pitch, however, with former Real Madrid and Manchester City forward Robinho named alongside the talismanic Neymar.
After that embarrassing loss to Germany in the semi-final of the 2014 World Cup, Dunga has carried out an understated but astute rebuilding job of the Brazil national team.
As noted by Amy Lawrence of The Guardian in the wake of the win over Chile at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium recently, the team is making solid strides under the former midfielder’s tutelage:
The Selecao have won all eight matches during the World Cup-winning captain’s second spell in charge, including impressive friendly victories over France and La Roja on European soil during the previous international break.
While this Brazil team has had to take a few steps backward in terms of style, this squad is an emphatic indicator that there is a bright future ahead of this illustrious footballing nation. Now, the challenge will be to back that promise up with some tangible evidence when this group takes to the field in what is a hugely important tournament for their overall development.