News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » Ronaldinho, Robinho for Olympics

Ronaldinho, Robinho for Olympics

July 08, 2008 09:43 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Out of form Ronaldinho has been included in Brazil's squad for the Olympic Games as an overage player.

Real Madrid striker Robinho, another player over the 23 age limit, was also named in the squad by coach Dunga, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on its Web site (www.cbf.com.br) on Monday.

Players under the age limit included Liverpool midfielder Lucas, Manchester United midfielder Anderson, Werder Bremen's Diego, AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato and Manchester City's new signing Jo.

Brazil, five-times world champions, have never won the Olympic gold in soccer and regard it as the one major title missing from their collection.

Ronaldinho, troubled by injury and fitness problems, has not played for Brazil this year and has made only sporadic appearances for Barcelona.

Barcelona's new coach Pep Guardiola has already said that Ronaldinho does not figure in his plans for next season and AC Milan are reported to be interested in signing him.

Brazil, silver medallists in 1984 and 1988, will face China, Belgium and New Zealand in their first round group.

Dunga, who is also in charge of the senior side, is under increasing pressure after recent poor results and his future in the job is seen as hinging on a good performance in China.

The Olympic tournament, taken more seriously in South America than in Europe, is restricted to under-23 teams with three overage players allowed per team.

The presence of the over-age players depends on the goodwill of their clubs, who are not obliged to release them.

Brazil had hoped to include World Player of the Year Kaka in their squad but AC Milan said they would not let him go.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (Almeria), Renan (Internacional)

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Ilsinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Rafinha (Schalke 04), Thiago Silva (Fluminense), Alex Silva (Sao Paulo), Breno (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Lucas (Liverpool), Anderson (Manchester United), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Diego (Werder Bremen), Thiago Neves (Fluminense)

Forwards: Robinho (Real Madrid), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Rafael Sobis (Real Betis), Jo (Manchester City)

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

India In Australia 2024-2025