Still no Kaka, but Brazil swing changes

Brazil manager Mano Menezes has acted on his side’s Copa America failure by ringing the changes for the August 10 friendly against Germany.

Botafogo goalkeeper Jefferson, defenders Luisao (Benfica) and Adriano Correia (Barcelona) and Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Jadson have been dropped for the match in Stuttgart.

Elano – who skied his penalty horribly in Brazil’s quarter-final shootout loss to Paraguay – has also been axed, while Sandro is absent through injury.

Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has missed selection once more, with Renato Augusto (Bayer Leverkusen), Dede (Vasco Da Gama), Jonas (Valencia), Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich) and Ralf (Corinthians) brought into the squad. Only Jonas has appeared for his country before.

“We are at a stage where we are looking for reliable players in this phase of transition and those who can help with this. It depends on Kaka’s performances as a player and the form he is in,” Menezes said.

“I was always clear from the beginning regarding the future. There is no need for me to call him up and test him again. I think we have a good mix for a strong team, with ample support in reserve when we need it.”

Full squad: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Victor (Gremio). Defenders: Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dede (Vasco de Gama), Lucio (Inter Milan), Maicon (Inter Milan), Thiago Silva (AC Milan). Midfielders: Elias (Atletico Madrid), Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ganso (Santos), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Lucas (Sao Paulo), Luis Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Ralf (Corinthians), Ramires (Chelsea), Renato Augusto (Bayer Leverkusen). Strikers: Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Jonas (Valencia), Fred (Fluminense), Neymar (Santos), Robinho (AC Milan).