Brazil's 23 Names for the 2010 FIFA World Cup: Full List and Analysis

The 23 players that will defend the colors of Brazil in their search for title in the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been announced by Coach Dunga. The announcement was made during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro in a room full of journalists from all types of media outlets who were hoping for surprises that didn't come.

The 2010 Team

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Gomes (Tottenham Hostpur)


Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon) Lucio (Inter Milan), Luisão (Benfica), Juan (Roma), Thiago Silva (Milan)


Midfielders: Felipe Melo (Juventus), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josué (Wolfsburg), Kaká (Real Madrid), Kleberson (Flamengo), Elano (Galatassaray), Ramires (Benfica), Julio Baptista (Roma)


Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villareal), Grafitte (Wolfsburg)

My View of the Team

First of all, no matter what names were called, Brazil is a strong candidate to take the World Cup. However it feels like the team doesn't have a spark, it doesn't have the magic, the "jogo bonito" that is the trademark of the team.

This Brazilian team reflects Dunga's coherence. He's been working with these names for a while and we can't deny that these players have shown quality to crown themselves champions of the world.

Position by position here is my analysis:

Goalkeepers: Great to see Gomes on the list. He had a great season for Tottenham and deserves to be there. We all know Julio Cesar will be the starter but in case of injury I'd rather see Gomes than Doni.

Defenders: The only doubt here was in the left side. But the choices of Gilberto and Michel Bastos reflect Dunga's coherence again.

Midfielders: Zero surprises here. The most optimists were expecting Paulo Henrique Ganso but Dunga decided to keep the men he trusts most. I only think Brazil doesn't have enough creative minds in the most important sector of the field. The responsibility lays on Kaká's shoulder...I mean, feet.

Forwards: The main surprise is Grafitte taking Adriano's spot. Oops, let me correct myself here. Adriano pretty much gave his spot away. After a great 2009 season with Flamengo the striker has lost some of his form, got into some strange personal issues and to make matters worse last week when the Assistant Coach Jorginho went to Flamengo's training grounds to watch Adriano and Kleberson the striker simply didn't show up for practice.

There is still a mandatory list of seven "stand by" names that Dunga has to give to FIFA. We believe Adriano, Ronaldinho and/or Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar might be on this list and we'll find this out soon when it leaks on the web.