Brazil avoid surprises in World Cup squad

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 15 (Reuters) Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira avoided any major surprises as the champions named their 23-man World Cup squad today.

Sao Paulo captain Rogerio Ceni, who has scored more than 50 goals from free kicks and penalties in his career, won a place as a third-choice goalkeeper as Marcos, the previous selection, failed to regain fitness.

There was no place for central defender Roque Junior while Germany-based Gilberto won a spot as reserve to Roberto Carlos at left back.

Brazil are grouped with Croatia, Australia and Japan at the finals in Germany which begin on June 9.

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

REUTERS DH VC2125