Tuesday was a big day in soccer, when several countries announced their national teams for the World Cup in South Africa. Dunga, the coach of the Brazilian national soccer team, announced his picks for the 23 players who will represent Brazil this June, invoking praise from some and strong criticism from others for leaving out players like Ronaldinho, Adriano, Neymar, and Ganso from the roster (Ronaldinho and Ganso were picked for the reserve team). The big surprise was that Dunga chose a striker named Grafite, who plays in Germany but was not expected to be chosen.

Here’s the list of players that Dunga picked and the teams they play for:

GOLEIROS [Goalies]:  Julio César (Inter Milan), Gomes (Tottenham), Doni (Roma)

LATERAIS [Defenders]:  Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro)

ZAGUEIROS [Center backs]: Lúcio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisão (Benfica), Thiago Silva (Milan)

MEIO-CAMPISTAS [Mid-fielders]: Felipe Melo (Juventus), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaká (Real Madrid), Josué (Wolfsburg), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo)

ATACANTES [Strikers]:  Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (Wolfsburg)

RESERVAS [Reserve team]: Alex (Chelsea), Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim), Ronaldinho Gaúcho (Milan), Sandro (Internacional), Ganso (Santos), Marcelo (Real Madrid) e Diego Tardelli (Atlético-MG)

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The World Cup is a major event in Brazil, even before the games officially begin. The choice of the Brazilian national team is met with huge fanfare, and many people watch the selection ceremony live on TV and avidly discuss it on the Internet.  For those of you who didn’t get to watch the selection, check it below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9SA5eGXXCU