Brazil's World Cup squad brings surprise

Atletico Madrid duo Miranda and Filipe Luis also missed out, as did Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho and Bayern Munich defender Rafinha.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed his 23-man squad for World Cup 2014, with Kaka, Robinho and Lucas Moura all missing out.

Napoli’s Henrique, Inter midfielder Hernanes, Roma’s Maicon and PSG defender Maxwell were all unsure of their places at the tournament ahead of the announcement in Rio this morning, but all have been selected.

The quartet were all absent from the squad that travelled to Johannesburg for Brazil’s 5-0 victory over South Africa in March.

Atletico Madrid defenders Filipe Luis and Miranda as well as Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho were also overlooked, as was Bayern Munich right-back Rafinha.

Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Sao Paulo on June 12 before facing Mexico and Cameroon in their other two group stage games.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Julio Cesar (Toronto FC), Victor (Atletico MG).

Defenders: Dante (Bayern Munich) David Luiz (Chelsea), Henrique (Napoli), Thiago Silva (PSG) Dani Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Roma) Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (PSG).

Midfielders: Fernandinho (Manchester City) Hernanes (Inter) Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg) Oscar (Chelsea) Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea).

Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Fred (Fluminense) Hulk (Zenit) Jo (Atletico MG), Neymar (Barcelona).