By IVES GALARCEP
If you think Jurgen Klinsmann has some tough decisions to make regarding selecting a World Cup roster, consider what Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has to deal with.
It is widely known that Brazil has the deepest collection of top-caliber talent in the world, meaning there are sure to be some stars left off the World Cup roster.
Scolari helped offer a glimpse of just which players might wind up being left out when he named the European-based players he is calling in for Brazil’s March friendly against South Africa (He will include 3-4 Brazilian League-based player later this month).
Among the players NOT included on Scolari’s initial list? Paris St. Germain’s Lucas Moura and Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho are just two of the talents left off the latest roster, therefore looking like long-shots to be a part of the Brazil World Cup squad.
The biggest surprise inclusion in the squad is Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, who has enjoyed an outstanding season for City, but has just one national team appearance since 2012.
Here is the squad Scolari called in:
GOALKEEPERS
Júlio César
DEFENDERS
Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Dante, Daniel Alves, Rafinha, Marcelo
MIDFIELDERS
Luiz Gustavo, Fernandinho, Paulinho, Ramires, Oscar, Willian
STRIKERS
Neymar, Bernard, Hulk
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What do you think of the squad? Who are you surprised to see left out? Think Brazil is the favorite to win the World Cup?
Share your thoughts below.