The announcement was made in the Salão Versailles (Versailles Room) at Rio de Janeiro’s plush Hotel Windsor. Rogério Ceni, São Paulo’s flamboyant and sharp free-kick taking keeper, won a particular private Paulista duel with Marcos, the (injured) Palmeiras keeper from the 2002 triumph.

Lyon’s Cris (ex-Cruzeiro) won the ‘shootout’ with a Roque Júnior still hampered by nagging injuries. Towering Benfica stopper Luisão (ex-Cruzeiro) also joined his former club-mate in the seleção that doesn’t surprise by leaving recovering Ricardo Oliveira and emerging Nilmar at home in favour of a Fred who’s impressed in France.

Gilberto (Hertha Berlin) was a surprise choice instead of Gustavo Nery (Corinthians), although Parque São Jorge team-mate Ricardinho will be able to tell him all about it as the number 11 slipped in for his second World Cup in a row in detriment to Alex (Fenerbahçe-TUR).

Brazil – World Cup 2006 Squad (Official)
Goalkeepers

Dida (AC Milan-ITA)
Júlio César (Inter Milan -ITA)
Rogério Ceni (São Paulo)

Wing-Backs

Cicinho (Real Madrid-SPA)
Cafú (Milan-ITA)
Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid-SPA)
Gilberto (Hertha Berlin - GER)

Defenders

Lúcio (Bayern Munich - GER)
Juan (Bayer Leverkeusen- GER)
Cris (Lyon-FRA)
Luisão (Benfica-POR)

Midfielders

Emerson (Juventus-ITA)
Zé Roberto (Bayern Munich - GER)
Gilberto Silva (Arsenal-ENG)
Edmílson (Barcelona-SPA)
Kaká (AC Milan-ITA)
Ronaldinho (Barcelona-SPA)
Juninho Pernambucano (Lyon-FRA)
Ricardinho (Corinthians)

Strikers

Ronaldo (Real Madrid-SPA)
Robinho (Real Madrid-SPA)
Adriano (Inter Milan -ITA)
Fred (Lyon-FRA)

For more soccer news visit Goal.com