Brazil squad for its final friendly next month

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho was the surprise pick in a provisional Brazil squad for its final friendly next month before the World Cup squad is announced. Neymar, Oscar, Ramires, Willian, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Hulk made the list of foreign-based players as expected, but former stars Kaka and Robinho were left out by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Kaka hasnt played for Brazil since March, but AC Milan teammate Robinho made the team in November. Scolari also said that, closer to the match, he would add a further three or four players to the squad from Brazilian clubs. Bayern Munichs Rafinha also came as a surprise selection for the game against South Africa on March 5 at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. "Fernandinho has been playing pretty well in Manchester and has been catching my attention,"Scolari said. "Its an opportunity for him. And Rafinha has been working pretty well at Bayern Munich. Both players have a history on the national youth teams." Scolari also said he needed to prepare back-up players in case of injuries. "I always have to take a look at other players because, the way tournaments are being played, we can never be sure that the players we imagine will be called up will be in their best condition when the (World Cup) squad is announced." Scolari also said he has been scouting the Netherlands. If Brazil advances from the group stage, it is likely to meet World Cup champion Spain or the Netherlands in the round of 16. "They have the normal characteristics of a Dutch team," he said. "They work the ball very well, have good quality skilled players ... We have been analyzing them, collecting data for a possible game at the second stage." Scolari decided to wait to announce the players from Brazilian clubs because many are not in top form yet. Among the players nursing injuries and trying to get in shape in the beginning of the Brazilian season was striker Fred, who was crucial for Brazil at the Confederations Cup last year. ------ Brazil: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (QPR) Defenders: David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Rafinha (Bayern Munich). Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Paulinho (Tottenham), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea). Strikers: Hulk (Zenit), Bernard (Shaktar Donetsk), Willian (Chelsea), Neymar (Barcelona). Under Armour Canada Clearance . The top-ranked Spaniard won his fourth Madrid Open on Sunday after Kei Nishikori was forced to withdraw with a hip injury when trailing 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 in the final. And Nadal, who is coming off to uncharacteristic quarterfinal losses on clay, said his mental strength is still lacking just two weeks ahead of the French Open. Under Armour Canada Sale . -- Antoine Bibeau bought the Val-dOr Foreurs valuable time at the Memorial Cup with his 51-save shutout Friday. http://www.wholesaleunderarmourcanada.com/. TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted that its believed the Flames are working towards a new contract with the defenceman. Under Armour Outlet Canada . Louis Blues and back into top spot of the TSN.ca NHL Power Rankings. The Sharks had been ranked No. Under Armour Discount . Various media outlets, including the Detroit Free Press, indicate a deal is close, while USA Today cited an unidentified person directly involved with the negotiations as saying the pact is for two years.Veteran Kevin Glenn will get the start for the B.C. Lions in the regular season finale against the Calgary Stampeders on Friday. Head coach Mike Benevides said backup John Beck may also see some action and running back Stefan Logan will likely make his return. On the defensive side, linebacker Alex Hoffman Ellis will replace injured Adam Bighill in the starting llineup and Jamal Johnson will play a bigger role.dddddddddddd Cornerback Dante Marsh (knee) returns to his shortside corner spot while TJ Lee moves inside to take the halfback spot of Cord Parks, who has some bumps and bruises. Defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell will return to the lineup and likely replace Khareem Smith, who has a minor rib injury. ' ' '