Brazil coach Menezes turns to youth

Brazil coach Menezes turns to youth

Published Aug. 20, 2010 8:23 p.m. ET

Brazil coach Mano Menezes called up more young players Friday for a week of training with the national side.

Menezes announced 18-year-old midfielder Philippe Coutinho has been added to the squad that will train in Spain Sept. 2-8.

Brazil's Football Confederation had hoped to arrange for a friendly during that period, but failed to find an opponent. As a result, Menezes opted to use only those players who are already playing in Europe.

Inter Milan midfielder Coutinho will join 18-year-old striker Neymar and 20-year-old striker Alexandre Pato of Milan.

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The three are part of Brazil's effort to reinvigorate the side following a disappointing World Cup in South Africa, where the team was eliminated by the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

Brazil roster:

Goalkeepers: Gomes (Tottenham) and Diego Alves (Almeria).

Defenders: Alex (Chelsea), David Luiz (Benfica), Henrique (Racing Santander) and Thiago Silva (Milan).

Midfielders: Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim), Douglas Costa (Shakhtar), Fernandinho (Shakhtar), Hernanes (Lazio), Lucas (Liverpool), Philippe Coutinho (Inter Milan), Ramires (Chelsea) and Sandro (Tottenham).

Strikers: Alexandre Pato (Milan), Andre (Dynamo Kiev), Hulk (Porto) and Robinho (Manchester City).

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