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There's a ways to go before this summer's World Cup in Brazil, but Brazil national team manager Felipe Luis Scolari got ahead of the curve a bit and listed several players who are confirmed for the Seleçao:
#Scolari confirmó a: David Luiz, Ramires, Oscar, Willian, Paulinho, @neymarjr, Julio Cesar, Thiago Silva y Fred. #Brasil2014
— CENTRAL FOX CN (@CentralFOX_nor) April 24, 2014
It may at first glance like an unusual step for Scolari to name Paulinho to the squad at this juncture -- his backup, Fernandinho, has performed much better for Manchester City in the league and there's no question that Paulinho has not been at his peak for Spurs this season. It's perhaps a bit surprising that Paulinho's name is on the list at this juncture ahead of such Brazilian players as Lucas Leiva, Lucas Moura, and Hernanes. However, we've known for a while that Scolari really likes Paulinho for Brazil, as he was a regular starter for the Seleçao leading up to his signing for Spurs. So, good for Paulinho! Let's hope he has a great World Cup and uses it as a springboard into the Premier League next season.
Sadly, Sandro and (muffled laughter) Gomes were both omitted from Scolari's list of "automatics." There's still time for Sandro to impress and make the squad, though. Hopefully he gets the chance.