Mano Menezes has confirmed his Brazil squad for the 2012 London Olympics, selecting Thiago Silva, Hulk and Marcelo as his three overage players.
‘He brings a lot of strength to the team,’ Menezes said of his decision to include Hulk. ‘His experience will be important in big matches, as well as his great ability to be decisive.’
The squad also includes a host of full international from across Europe, including Manchester United’s Rafael, Porto duo Alex Sandro and Danilo, Tottenham’s Sandro and Milan’s Alexandre Pato.
Santos duo Ganso and Neymar are among a host of stars from Brazil’s top flight including Lucas Moura, Oscar and Leandro Damiao.
Barcelona’s Dani Alves and Chelsea’s David Luiz are among a host of players who missed out after stating their desire to compete in London this summer.
Brazil have never won the Olympic gold, and this summer’s tournament could make or break Menezes reign ahead of the World Cup in 2014.
‘It is clear that the fans liked what they saw in the last four friendlies,’ said Menezes, who has used the games to experiment with his Olympic squad. ‘It is because we are on track. I'm sure we can do it at the Olympics.’
Brazil have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Belarus and New Zealand.
Squad in Full
Goalkeepers: Neto (Fiorentina), Cabral (Santos)
Defenders: Danilo (Porto), Rafael (Manchester United), Alex Sandro (Porto), Marcelo (Real Madrid/), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Bruno Uvini (Sao Paulo), Juan (Inter)
Midfielders: Sandro (Tottenham), Romulo (Vasco da Gama), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Oscar (Internacional), Ganso (Santos).
Forwards: Pato (Milan), Neymar (Santos), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Hulk (Porto)
Reserves: Marquinhos (Corinthians), Giuliano (Dniepr), Cassemiro (Sao Paulo), Gabriel (Milan)
