Scolari considering 50 for WCup squad
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari revealed on Thursday that he has a longlist of 50 potential candidates in mind for his squad that will go into the 2014 World Cup on home soil.
"Our staff are keeping an eye on 50 players all over the world as we try to build the best possible team for the World Cup," said 'Big Phil', who was speaking at a teleconference.
Scolari, who led Brazil to glory at the 2002 World Cup, and recently returned to the job for a second spell following the sacking of Mano Menezes, announced his first squad earlier this week for the friendly against England at Wembley on February 6.
It included Ronaldinho, now 32 and playing his club football at home with Atletico Mineiro, but there was no place for Kaka, whose career has nosedived since his move to Real Madrid in 2009.
"We are not just trying players out for the sake of it, we need to be sure that their experience counts," Scolari added.
"If a player is in the right shape, he will be given opportunities."
The former Portugal and Chelsea coach admitted that Brazil are "the favourites" to win a sixth World Cup, and a first on home soil.
"We have to win, of that there is no argument," he said, but he also accepted that Spain, Germany, Italy and Argentina are all candidates to be taken seriously.
"Spain come to mind for what they have achieved, and Germany have done a good rebuilding job since 2003.
"Traditionally, and because of the way they play, Italy are among the favourites, and Argentina are because of the quality of players at their disposal."
This year, Brazil will face Italy, Russia and England in friendlies, while they will also feature in the Confederations Cup, which they will host in June.
