Brazil give no clues over line-up for Ghana

BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany, June 26: Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira would not give any clues over his line-up to face Ghana in Tuesday's World Cup second-round match in Dortmund.

The world champions lumbered through their first two matches against Croatia and Australia, winning 1-0 and 2-0, with what is widely regarded as their first-choice 11.

Having qualified with a game to spare, Parreira then made five changes for the final group game against Japan and his team finally lived up to their billing as they came from behind to win 4-1.

Veteran full backs Cafu and Roberto Carlos were replaced by Cicinho and Gilberto, while Gilberto Silva and Juninho Pernambucano came in for Emerson and Ze Roberto in midfield.

Robinho, instead of Adriano, partnered Ronaldo in attack.

Since then, there has been widespread intrigue over what the coach will do next, with many hoping he will keep the players who came in against Japan.

However, the coach is widely expected to bring back the two first-choice full backs, in particular Cafu who is the team captain.

Parreira has repeatedly denied that he has a dilemma on his hands.

''I have don't have any problems, I have 23 solutions,'' he said, referring to the 23 players in the squad.

''Only 11 can play but we mustn't forget that it's not individuals who win the World Cup, it's the team. It helps if you have good individuals but if you don't have the base of a team, you're not going to get anywhere.'' Parreira has already lost one of his options, with Robinho ruled out because of a minor injury to his right thigh.

However, that does not necessarily mean that Adriano could regain his place in attack.

The coach could instead reshuffle his team, moving Ronaldinho into attack -- which would be closer to the role he plays for Barcelona -- and bringing Juninho Pernambucano into the midfield alongside Kaka, Ze Roberto and either Emerson or Gilberto Silva.

Reuters