World Cup 2010: Brazil puts Ronaldinho on reserve

Dunga's 23 includes no Ronaldinho, Adriano, Pato, Neymar, Diego, or Ganso

After 16 years, there will be no Ronaldo.

But 31 year old journeyman Grafite, having scored 50 goals in three sensational seasons at Wolfsburg is in. And Grafite acknowledged his selection:

" Without a doubt this is the biggest thrill of my life."

So is Sevilla's Luis Fabiano boosting his club's attack with 21 goals. Robinho who has settled down at Santos where he delights the crowd with his delicate chip shots finds favour too.

Dunga has gone for experience as ex- Arsenal man Gilberto Silva, Man City reject Elano, and Kleberson are in the roster. The average age is 29 years with Ramires the youngest at 23.

The defense also has a set of enforcers in Lucio, Luisao, and Felipe Melo. The talent at wingback is palpable as Maicon's understudy is the redoubtable Dani Alves. Dunga's emphasis on work rate is also underlined in the selection of Ramires, a tireless winger at Benfica, part of their successful midfield diamond.

Which all brings us back to the question of the ever smiling Ronaldinho. With 11 goals and 17 assists for Milan, Ronaldinho would have seemingly turned the corner with his productivity, if not his work ethic. His form did not entirely convince Dunga who excluded him from the 23 man roster.

But the CBF submitted a separate list of seven reserves to FIFA which includes Ronaldinho's name. Which means that the only way Ronaldinho can get to play is through an injury replacement. Maybe Kaka?

Diego Tardelli (Atlético Mineiro)
Ganso (Santos)
Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)
Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Alex (Chelsea)
Ronaldinho Gaúcho (AC Milan)
Sandro (Internacional)

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

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg).

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (VfL Wolfsburg).