By David Gold
July 3 – Brazil’s women’s football coach Jorge Barcellos has named the 18-strong squad which will compete at this summer’s Olympic Games in London.
As well as five-times World Player of the Year Marta (pictured top), Barcellos has selected Lyons’ Rosana and Cristiane (pictured below), the all-time top scorer at the Olympics alongside German Birgit Prinz.
Barcellos will now take his squad to Switzerland for games against Colombia and Canada as they continue preparations for London 2012.
Before that, the Brazilian women will face the Republic of Ireland in another friendly game.
Cristiane is one of four players who play their football for Roosiyanca in Russia, along with Aline Pellegrino, Ester and Fabi.
The other players selected are Andreia Suntaque, Babara Micheline, Bruna, Daiane, Elaine, Erika, Formiga, Francielle, Grazielle, Maurine, Renata Costa and Thaisinha.
“Team training is going well,” said Barcellos.
“The way this team have gelled you could say we have the medal in our hands.
“It depends on us.”
Brazil kicks off its bid for a first Olympic football gold against Cameroon on July 25 before facing New Zealand three days later.
Its final group game is against hosts Great Britain on July 31 at Wembley Stadium.
Barcellos will hope his team can avenge defeats to the United States in the final of the last two Olympic football tournaments, while world champions Japan will also pose a serious threat to its ambitions.
The men’s squad is due to be announced by Mano Menezes on Thursday (July 5).
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