Blues at the World Cup: Flo & Anelka in, Alex out(?)

A prior post focused on the Capello Index. Looks like Joey’s latest rating – second to Karim Benzema among last week’s performers – ensured him a spot in the provisional 30. Joining him were the usual suspects – Frank Lampard, Brave John Terry and Ashley Cole.

Let’s take a look now at who is in/who is out among the rest of our roster of champions. Alex ignored by Dunga? You’ve got to be kidding me.

Left out.

Portugal —
We have a trio among the 24-man squad named by Carlos Queiroz. Deco, Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho. No place for Hilario, meanwhile, who was overlooked in favor of two keepers not even involved during WC qualifying. No Bosingwa, obviously.

France —
The eccentric Raymond Domenech left out several solids. Thankfully, for him at least, he included the Chelsea pair of Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda. Both should enjoy vital roles; will they?

Germany —
Obvious Der Kaiser was in the mix for Joachim Low, who announced his provisional side over the weekend. Can the German captain finally get it done at the international level?

Serbia —
Manager Radomir Antic included six English-based players in his side. Two of those were from Chelsea – Branislav Ivanovic and the young one, Nemanja Matic.

Slovakia —
Miroslav Stoch is back at Cobham following a fruitful spell at Dutch side FC Twente. He won’t the league title, ya know. He’s been talking to the official website. He’s also been talking with Slovakia coach Vladimír Weiss. Stoch is among Weiss’ 29-man squad for the World Cup.

Ivory Coast —
SVEN! The charismatic philanderer obviously had to have The Mighty Drogs and Salomon Kalou among his 30-man list.

Nigeria —
Injured midfielder John Mikel Obi was included. He is expected to be fit for the celebration in South Africa following recent knee surgery.

Ghana —
Michael Essien is, in fact, in the mix despite not playing a competitive game since January.

Brazil —
What is up with Dunga? The Brazil jefe leaves out The Duck (Alexandre Pato) then really goes off it by excluded our Brazilian juggernaut, Alex. Has Luisão (Benfica) and Thiago Silva (Milan) – both in the squad – been superior to the Chelsea defender this season? Doubt it. Alex was named to the seven-man reserve list alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Marcelo.

Still, I can see how you leave out Alex. Weird.

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Category: Blues on International Duty