Julio Cesar and Fernandinho in Brazil squad

• by Soccer America , Feb 11, 2014

[WORLD CUP 2014 COUNTDOWN] Julio Cesar, who is expected to join MLS's Toronto FC on loan from Queens Park Rangers until the World Cup, has been included in Brazil's squad for its final friendly before the World Cup squad is announced, a game at South Africa on March 5. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari gave Manchester City's Fernandinho a late chance to make the Brazil squad.

Oscar, Ramires, Willian and David Luiz from English Premier League leader Chelsea are in the squad. Notable absentees are Kaka and Robinho.

The squad for the trip to South Africa includes only 15 players. Scolari will fill out the roster with Brazilian-based players later. Brazilian state leagues are in their early stages.

Brazil Roster:
GOALKEEPERS: Julio Cesar (QPR).
DEFENDERS: David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Thiago Silva (Paris St. Germain), Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Rafinha (Bayern Munich).
MIDFIELDERS: Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Paulinho (Tottenham), Fernandinho (Man. City), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea).
FORWARDS: Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Willian (Chelsea), Neymar (Barcelona).