Goalscoring keeper gets nod for Brazil

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has been rewarded for a good season at club level with an expected place in Brazil’s 23-man squad for the defence of the World Cup.

Goalscoring goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni has also been named in Brazil’s squad.

The Sao Paulo captain, who takes free-kicks and penalties for his club side, was selected ahead of Palmeiras custodian Marcos, who was Brazil’s goalkeeper in the 2002 finals.

Elsewhere, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira sprung few surprises, naming Ronaldo, Robinho, Adriano and Fred as the strikers in his party.

Ronaldinho, the two-time world player of the year, and Kaka are the stars in midfield while in defence there is no place for Roque Junior, a World Cup winner four years ago.

Parreira has opted for just two domestic-based players, Ceni and Corinthians midfielder Ricardinho.

Brazil, the holders, will be in Group F in Germany, alongside Japan, Australia and Croatia.

Squad: Dida (AC Milan), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo); Cafu (AC Milan), Roberto Carlos, Cicinho (both Real Madrid), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen), Cris (Lyon), Luisao (Benfica); Emerson (Juventus), Ze Roberto (Bayern Munich), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Juninho Pernambucano (Lyon), Kaka (AC Milan), Ronaldinho, Edmilson (both Barcelona), Ricardinho (Corinthians); Ronaldo, Robinho (both Real Madrid), Adriano (Inter Milan), Fred (Lyon).