Brasil Release Copa America Squad

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has surprisingly selected Fluminense captain Fred in his Copa America squad, with Villarreal striker Nilmar missing the cut at his expense.
Fred, 27, scored Brazil's winner in 1 -0 victory over Romania on Tuesday night, a game that saw Ronaldo's final appearance for the Selecao.

The former Lyon forward was withdrawn after half an hour, with O Fenomeno coming on in his place, but Fred's goal appeared to do enough to convince Menezes that he was worthy of a place in the Brazil squad for the continental showpiece in Argentina next month.

Fred is one of four strikers, alongside Robinho, Alexandre Pato and Neymar, and he also pipped Internacional striker Leandro Damiao, who has impressed recently with his displays in the Gaucho State Championship.

Brazil are defending champions and Menezes side are looking to win the tournament for the third time in a row and fifth time in six editions.

Santos star Ganso has also made the cut for the Selecao's campaign in Argentina, despite missing the last two matches through injury; he is expected to return for his club in their Copa Libertadores semi-final second leg against Penarol on June 22.

Brazil squad for Copa America:

Goalkeepers Victor (Gremio), Julio Cesar (Inter)

Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Inter), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Adriano (Barcelona), Lucio (Inter), Thiago Silva (Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea) Luisao (Benfica)

Midfielders: Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Ramires (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham), Jadson (Shakhtar Donetsk), Elias (Atletico Madrid), Elano (Santos), Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos), Lucas Silva (Sao Paulo)

Forwards: Robinho (Milan), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Fred (Fluminense), Neymar (Santos)