Adriano, Ronaldinho left out of Brazil's WC squad

Forward Adriano and former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho were left out of Brazil's World Cup squad on Tuesday.

Coach Dunga also refused to bow to pressure to call up Santos youngsters Paulo Henrique Ganso and Neymar, instead announcing a squad packed with defensive midfielders.

Ronaldinho was dropped by Dunga in April last year after a poor run of form at both international level and for his club AC Milan.

He has had a much improved season for the Serie A club but has not done enough to convince the coach he deserves a recall.

Former Inter Milan striker Adriano, top scorer last year when Flamengo won the Brazilian championship, has struggled for form and with off-field issues as well he has played in roughly half his club's games.

Dunga's choice left Brazil heavily dependent on Kaka for midfield creativity and could leave them short of options if he gets injured.

VfL Wolfsburg striker Grafite, overlooked last year when he was the Bundesliga's top scorer with 28 goals, was included.

The 31-year-old was given a surprise call-up for February's friendly against Ireland, when he made only his second international appearance.

Brazil, five-times world champions, face Portugal, North Korea and Ivory Coast in Group G, which is one of the toughest pools in the tournament.

The Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham), Alexander Doni (Roma)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyonnais),  Lucio (Inter), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Josue (Wolfsburg), Kleberson (Flamengo), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (Wolfsburg)