SAO PAULO, Brazil - Ronaldino was left out of Brazil's final friendly before the World Cup despite pressure from fans and local media on coach Dunga to select the star midfielder.
Ronaldinho was not among the 22 players called up by Dunga on Tuesday for the friendly against Ireland in London on March 2. It will be Brazil's last scheduled match before the World Cup in South Africa in June.
The 29-year-old Ronaldinho hasn't played for the national team since the beginning of 2009, but his improved recent performances with AC Milan had caused fans and local media to call for his return.
Dunga said Ronaldinho was in the running for the World Cup, but he needed to keep performing before the final squad will be announced nearly three months from now.
"All players still have chances," he said. "We made an analysis of what are the best solutions needed for the national team and at this moment (Ronaldinho) is not part of them."
Kleberson - a starter for Brazil when it won the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan - was back after several months of absence, and Barcelona right back Daniel Alves was in despite a muscle injury.
Some less experienced players who were summoned included AC Milan defender Thiago Silva, Cruzeiro midfielder Gilberto and Lyon left back Michel Bastos.
At the World Cup, Brazil's first Group G match will be on June 15 against North Korea, followed by Ivory Coast and a much-anticipated match against Portugal.
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Squad:
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma).
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan).
Midfielders: Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Ramires (Benfica), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Kleberson (Flamengo), Julio Baptista (AS Roma).
Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Adriano (Flamengo), Nilmar (Villarreal), Robinho (Santos).
