Ronaldinho ignored for Ireland friendly

Ronaldinho's hopes of a place in Brazil's World Cup squad faded on Tuesday when he was not picked by coach Dunga for their last warm-up against Ireland in London next month.

The forward, who last played for Brazil in April 2009, has put in some good performances for AC Milan lately and expectations had been high of a recall.

"Every player has chances (of a place in the squad). At this moment he isn't part of it," Dunga told reporters at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) headquarters after naming a 22-man squad.

Robinho, who has returned to Santos on loan from Manchester City precisely to try to secure a place in the Brazil squad, was included among four forwards.

The March 2 match at Arsenal's Emirates stadium will be Brazil's first of the year after an impressive 2009 during which they finished top of the South American World Cup qualifying group and won the Confederations Cup.

Brazil, favourites to win their sixth world crown in South Africa in the finals starting on June 11, are in Group G with North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma).

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

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

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Robinho (Santos), Adriano (Flamengo), Nilmar (Villarreal).