Gunners duo in Brazil squad

Arsenal midfielders Gilberto and Edu have been picked by Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira for the World Cup qualifier with Bolivia on September 5 in Sao Paulo and the friendly with Germany in Berlin four days later.

Brazil, who have never failed to qualify for the World Cup, lead the standings of the South American qualifying supergroup with 13 points.

It is the first time the defending champions have been forced to qualify for the World Cup but Brazil’s campaign is progressing well, while they also won the Copa America last month.

The match with Germany will be their first against the team now coached by Jurgen Klinsmann since the 2002 World Cup final in Yokohama, won 2-0 by Brazil with two goals from Ronaldo.