Brazil names 2014 World Cup squad

Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari named his 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup on Wednesday.

As is always the case with these types of announcements, much of the focus is on the names excluded from the list, rather than those who will actually be representing the team come the tournament.

Liverpool youngster Coutinho and Atletico Madrid fullback Felipe Luis may have stronger claims than most others on that list, considering their impressive form this season - the latter in particular. However, much of the talk in the immediate aftermath of the announcement has hinged on the exclusions of Kaka and Ronaldinho.

The midfield duo, while boasting outstanding pedigree and experience, have been left out by Big Phil in favor of a younger core that includes the likes of Chelsea pair Oscar and Willian.

Despite that high-profile list of omissions, the Brazilian squad will still undoubtedly be one of the most talented at the tournament, showing just how much quality Scolari has at his disposal.

Here's the full squad:

Goalkeepers

Julio Cesar (Toronto FC), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atlético Mineiro)

Defenders

Dani Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (Roma), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (PSG), Thiago Silva (PSG), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli)

Midfielders

Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Paulinho (Tottenham), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Willian (Chelsea)

Forwards

Hulk (Zenit), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jô (Atlético Mineiro), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk)