Brazil is all set to get the 2010 World Cup underway as manager Dunga announced the country’s final 23-man roster for the tournament on June 1. Basically he didn’t really have to say much as he just kept the 23 members of the squad that he had already chosen. The team is already down in South Africa getting in tune with each other and waiting for the fun to begin.

However, Dunga did originally choose a 30-man provisional squad earlier as it is made mandatory by FIFA, but there were no surprises when the final team was announced. In fact, the team has been training together and in South Africa since May 27.

Dunga did have seven players who were named to the 30-man roster just in case the team was hit with any injuries, but they weren’t needed. However, there were a couple of surprises to many Brazilian fans when those seven were left out as the group includes: Paulo Henrique Ganso, Ronaldinho, Diego Tardelli, Sandro, Marcelo, Carlos Eduardo, and Alex.

But it’s only natural with a squad as strong as Brazil’s there are bound to be some good players left on the outside looking in. Perhaps, the biggest shock of all was Ronaldinho, but his play has declined significantly over the last few years.

But when it comes to picking teams, it seems that it’s been Dunga’s way or the highway since he took charge in 2006 as he’s not afraid to leave out some of the country’s most beloved players such as Ronaldo, Adriano, and Ronaldinho.

The manager has preferred to use some of the nation’s more unknown players when it comes to choosing his teams. It seems to have worked so far with some good results and a trophy being won at the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa. The team also took top spot in their South American World Cup qualifying group.

Dunga said he wants to pick players who are proud to wear the country’s shirt and those who are excited to be there. He added that too many of previous players didn’t really want to be there and it showed.

Brazil still has two warm up games to play as they take on Zimbabwe on June 2 and Tanzania on June 6. Their first tournament game is June 15th against North Korea.

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham), Doni (AS Roma).

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan).

Midfielders: Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Ramires (Benfica), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Kleberson (Flamengo), Julio Baptista (AS Roma).

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Robinho (Santos), Grafite (Wolfsburg).

Brazil are favourites to win Group G over Portugal, Ivory Coast, and North Korea with odds of 3/5 and are listed at 9/2 by Expekt.com to carry home the Cup for a record sixth time.