Brazil striker Ronaldo will not play in the
upcoming Copa America tournament, coach Carlos Dunga said on Monday night. Dunga
told Globo TV that he wants to feature other forwards in the South American
championships played June 27-July 15 in Venezuela.
"I want to observe other strikers. We know what Ronaldo is capable of," Dunga
said.
The 104-times capped Ronaldo has yet to play under Dunga, who became coach last
summer. Ronaldo played below par in 2006, but has slowly improved after a winter
move from Real Madrid to AC Milan.
Ronaldo has scored 67 goals for the Selecao, helping the team to the World Cup
title in 2002 and Copa America trophies 1997 and 1999.
But like other regulars such as Ronaldinho, he was rested for the last edition
of the Copa in 2004, which Brazil won on penalties against Argentina.
Dunga is also next expected to field all stars in Venezuela, the tournament
coming shortly after the end of the European club season.
Brazil's play a June 1 friendly at Wembley against England, the last match
before their Copa opener on June 28 against Mexico. Their other opponents in
group B are Chile and Ecuador. |