Dunga calls players for October friendlies

Brazilian National coach Dunga named 22 players today for the matches against Kuwait (October 7) and Ecuador (October 10). Four players were called for the first time by Dunga: goalkeeper Helton (Porto), full-backs Daniel Alves and Adriano (Sevilla) and midfielder Lucas (Gremio).

During a press conference following the announcement, Dunga explained he is trying to limit the number of new players called in order to try to build a base for official competitions next year. At the same time, by calling new names he keeps giving a chance for younger players to gain a spot in the team. The coach said he's particularly worried about the game against Ecuador, "a tough team" which played quite well in Germany during the World Cup.

Here are the players called by Dunga for the two matches next month:

Goalkeepers: Helton (Porto-POR) and Gomes (PSV Eindhoven-HOL)
Full-backs: Maicon (Internazionale-ITA), Daniel Alves (Sevilla-SPA), Marcelo (Fluminense-BRA) and Adriano (Sevilla-SPA)
Defenders: Lucio (Bayern Munich-GER), Luisao (Benfica-POR), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen-GER) and Alex (PSV Eindhoven-HOL)
Midfielders: Lucas (Gremio-BRA), Dudu Cearense (CSKA-RUS), Edmilson (Barcelona-SPA), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal-ENG), Kaka (Milan-ITA), Elano (Shakhtar Donetsk-UKR), Ronaldinho (Barcelona-SPA) and Daniel Carvalho (CSKA-RUS)
Forwards: Vagner Love (CSKA-RUS), Robinho (Real Madrid-SPA), Rafael Sobis (Betis-SPA) and Fred (Lyon-FRA)