Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho Off Brazil World Cup Roster

Brazil's soccer coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. left, embraces Brazilian Soccer Confederation President Jose Maria Marin during a news conference to anouce his list of players for the 2014 Soccer World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, May 7, 2014. The team will mix talented young stars such as Neymar and Oscar with more experienced players such as Dani Alves, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Hulk.

SAO PAULO (AP) — Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho were left off Brazil's World Cup roster by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who selected just five players who went to the 2010 tournament with the Selecao.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar; defenders Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and Maicon; and midfielder Ramires were the only returnees from the tournament four years ago on the 23-man roster announced Wednesday. Fred, a forward on the 2006 World Cup roster, was selected after missing the 2010 tournament.

"I don't think this lack of World Cup experience will play a big part," Scolari said. "Our players have been gaining experience in their leagues in Europe, and I don't think they will be affected by this too much, although in certain World Cup situations, having that experience would be important. But I fully trust these players."

There were no major surprise picks in Brazil's group, which includes 16 players who were on the roster for last year's Confederations Cup, a warmup tournament in which the Selecao beat Spain 3-0 in the final. The team includes young stars such as Neymar and Oscar.

"My childhood dream came true," Neymar said on Instagram. "Today was one of the most anticipated days of my life. It's time to represent the entire country. I'm completely moved, anxious and nervous. I want it to arrive soon."

Also among the bypassed were Lucas Leiva, Lucas Moura and Felipe Luis. "We know that not everybody will agree with all the names. It's normal," Scolari said. "But now that we have the 23 players, we would like to ask that our fans support all of them, so together we can focus on our goal of winning the World Cup."

The roster includes six players from teams in England, four from Brazil, three each from Italy and Spain, two apiece from France and Germany, and one each from Major League Soccer, Russia and Ukraine.

The announcement at a traditional concert house in Rio de Janeiro was telecast live and attended by more than 700 reporters. Seeking a record sixth World Cup title, Brazil has won 13 of its last 14 games. Its starting lineup is likely to have Julio Cesar in goal; Dani Alves at right back; Thiago Silva and David Luiz in central defense; Marcelo at left back; Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo in defensive midfield; and Oscar in attacking midfield; and Neymar, Hulk and Fred up front.

Brazil plays Croatia in the World Cup opener on June 12, then faces Mexico five days later and Croatia on June 23. The roster: Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Julio Cesar (Toronto, MLS), Victor (Atletico Mineiro)

Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona, Spain), Dante (Bayern Munich, Germany), David Luiz (Chelsea, England), Henrique (Napoli, Italy), Maicon (Roma, Italy), Marcelo (Real Madrid, Spain), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Midfielders: Fernandinho (Manchester City, England), Hernanes (Inter Milan, Italy), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg, Germany), Oscar (Chelsea, England), Paulinho (Tottenham, England), Ramires (Chelsea, England), Willian (Chelsea, England)
Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Fred (Fluminense), Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg, Russia), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Neymar (Barcelona, Spain)

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Memorable Images And Time (West African Leaders)

Jacqueline Kennedy chats with Mrs. Houphouet-Boigny (right) as they pose for photographers prior to a state dinner given by President and Mrs. Houphouet-Boigny of the Ivory Coast in honor of the Chief Executive and Mrs. Kennedy here tonight.Date: May 24, 1962. Location: Washington, D.C. Image: Bettmann


7/28/1966- Washington, DC: State visitor. President Johnson chats in his office with President Leopold Senghor of Senegal today after the African Chief Executive arrived for a nine-day visit. President Johnson welcomed President Senghor as "the head of a very friendly and vigorous African nation."


President John F. Kennedy greets the first Nigerian Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa at the White House.Date: July 25, 1961. Location: Washington D.C. Image: Bettmann


7/24/1958-Washington, D.C.- Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana shown during his White House visit with President Eisenhower today. He later told newsmen that the President was "sympathetic" to the economic problems of his newly independent African state.

Nigeria: The January 1966 Crisis

"(Lagos, Nigeria) St. Petersburg Times, January 18, 1966. The leader of the bloody uprising that propelled Nigeria to the brink of civil war has surrendered, the provincial military government announced yesterday. The surrender of rebel Chukwuma Nzeogwu apparently placed the entire military squarely behind Major-General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi, the 41-year old Army ...Commander-in-Chief who took over the government Sunday. Radio reports quoted Ironsi as saying Nzeogwu had surrendered his command and offered to serve the new government. Ironsi said he had accepted Nzeogwu's pledge of loyalty to the new government. It was uncertain whether disciplinary was planned against the rebels. Ironsi attributed the Satuday revolt to general disorder in the Army.' He said every effort was being made to locate Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Finance Minister Festus Okotie Eboh who were kidnapped in the early hours (January 15, 1966).

Ironsi who some observers saw as a potential military strongman, said he had no desire to become permanent leader of the vast West African Republic and its 56-million inhabitants. He said, however, a 'Supreme Military Council' would rule Nigeria until a new constitution can be brought into being according to the wishes of the people. Meanwhile, Ghana accorded swift recognition to the new regime but Britain - former colonial ruler of the African State - held back, apparently to wait out developments there. The British government said it received confirmation last night that rebel resistance in the northern province of Nigeria had collapse...'"

----St. Petersburg Times, January 18, 1966