It is true that players with the experience and quality of Ronaldinho, Adriano or Ronaldo could have much to offer to the Carioca squad. But at the same time Dunga has given players like Michael Bastos or Ramires to show their worth to the world. Elano's performance has been rather disappointing, while Daniel Alves have shown against Chile he can adapt to different positions. Felipe Melo's future is yet unknown, but there's no doubt he's an integral part of Dunga's scheme
Julio Cesar
Julio Cesar is looking forward to lifting his fourth title in the year (After claiming along with Lucio and Maicon the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Champion League's title), and thanks to the security of his gloves Brazil has not yet been defeated a single time on African ground. Before the first match, Julio Cesar declared samba was to be danced in the final and not tango, laughing at Argentina's title hunger.
Widely considered the best goalkeeper in the world, he's been Brazil's first goalkeeper since 2007 and will be playing his second World Championship with the Verdeamarelhos.
Lucio
Brazil's defensive trident is absolutely fearsome. Lucio has all the skills any coach might be looking for in a defender, with enough versatility to join an advance and major aerial abilities. Lucio is one of the most experienced players in Dunga's squad with 89 caps, having been part of the 2002's team that lifted the World Cup.
His deep understanding of Brazil's new playstyle, coupled with the excellent communication with Brazil's right winger and goalkeeper (thanks to their time playing together for Internazionale) offer Brazil one of the toughest defense lines in South Africa. He's probably one of the main leaders in Dunga's squad, and match after match he grows tougher and stronger.
Juan
Lucio's ideal partner, Juan is a versatile defender with a strong header and endless stamina. He's already given Brazil the opening goal against Chile, and will be lurking their rival's area in every match waiting ahead. He's fought head to head against Lucio with AS Rome, who were just one match away from lifting the Scudetto, but now they join their forces, they may cast an impassable barrier around Julio Cesar's goal.
Maicon
The third Internazionale player in the squad, Maicon might have an opportunity to taste the sweetest glory before joining Jose Mourinho in Real Madrid the next season. As well as Juan, Maicon has already scored in South Africa (25% of the Verdeamarelho's goals came from the back line) and is one of Dunga's main offensive weapons, for his speed and precision from the right wing.
The last time in a World Championship, Maicon had to bear with the responsibility of occupying Cafu's place, but now, 4 years later he's already made a name of its own and will be looking forward to lift the last title he's missing to finish a perfect season.
Michel Bastos
Michel Bastos is one of the revelations of South Africa. It is not that he had not shown his skills in the Copa Libertadores, but his perfect performance in the group stage showed an unrivaled speed and a brilliant technique, taking over Elano's place as free kick executioner most of the times.
Olympique's left winger has replaced Marcelo and Maxwell as the undisputed fourth defender, and has liven up to the expectations up to now: But the toughest matches are waiting ahead and a single mistake can completely change the future of this young player.
Gilberto Silva
If it wasn't for Gilberto Silva Dunga will have some serious troubles in the midfield, but this experienced defensive midfielder (another 2002's veteran, who's already lifted two Confederation Cups) weaves a defensive web that stops and deflect most of their rival's offensive attempts.
Criticized by his lack of commitment and slow pace, Gilberto Silva is a pillar of Brazil's performance in South Africa.
Felipe Melo
Even though at the moment he's experiencing some physical inconveniences that might keep him from playing against Netherlands, Felipe Melo is the perfect bridge between Brazil's tough defense and electric offense. After a rather weak season with Juventus, every shadow of a doubt regarding his prowess as a playmaker could be dispelled as long as his performance retains his level.
During the game against Portugal Melo suffered an injury in his ankle which forbid him from playing against Chile. "He has 40% chances of playing against Netherlands" were Brazil's doctor declarations about his condition. Brazil will have 60% chances of losing a perfect engine in the midfield for the quarter finals.
Daniel Alves
Even though Maicon has won the battle in the right wing, Elano's injury gave Blaugrana's winger an opportunity on the field, as Dani Alves is a versatile defender with a strong offense and exquisite skills as gunner. No match has gone without Alves playing some minutes, as Dunga wanted him to be fully fit for whenever he could be needed. Against Chile he played in the midfield and offer Dunga a new offensive perspective, with a better connection between Kaka and Luis Fabiano.
This is his first performance in a World Championship, but Alves is known by his cool nerves. This is the last trophy he's not yet lifted, will he be able to complete the showcase upon this African experience?
Kaka
Kaka is the main player in Dunga's scheme, occupying the key position of play maker as well as offensive leader. After a rather weak year with Real Madrid, Kaka is slowly recovering its level, as it was shown during the last matches. Nevertheless he's been having problems with the law, having already missed a match after a red card and with a yellow card pending over his head: Against Netherlands he'll have to be careful not to miss a decisive match if Brazil makes it to the last four.
Having already won a World Title when aged only 20, Kaka will have the responsibility of leading the Cariocas to their sixth Cup.
Robinho
Santos' electric striker is once again at his highest, as six months in his beloved debut team has worked wonders for him to recover his confidence in the last meters. With a future still to be written (Manchester City might be looking forward to a trade if he does not performs as expected in South Africa), he's already lead his team to a Copa America back in 2007 and won't hesitate before doing it again.
Against Chile we could see his best, fully focused on his duties and with an enviable technique. If Brazil makes it to the latter stages in South Africa, it will probably have much to do with Robinho's performance.
Luis Fabiano
There's a reason why Dunga can be relaxed, and it's Luis Fabiano's sheer efficiency in the last meters, keeping their rival's goalkeepers constantly busy and becoming a nightmare for every defender that stands in his way. Sevilla's top striker is one of the most prolific players in this competition with 3 goals. His future appears to be in AC Milan, as his days in Spain are day after day further away.
O Fabuloso's declarations reveal his strong confidence and self-consciousness. "I'm feeling great, this is my first World Cup and we're doing very well.. But a step should be walked at a time,this is the best way to reach one's goal and lift the title"
