Menezes has been working with a wider training group of 23, who took part in friendlies over recent weeks against Denmark, USA, Mexico and Argentina as part of the Olympic preparations.
No room was found for the likes of former Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldinho, Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar, Lazio midfielder Hernanes or Chelsea winger Ramires – who were all included in an earlier extended group – and several others will also be left disappointed as Menezes will cut another five players before naming his final line-up.
But there is still a wealth of ability on offer and Brazil have been installed by many as favourites to win gold at London 2012, making New Zealand’s task of meeting them on August 1 in Newcastle all the more difficult.
Olympic rules state that only three players in each squad can be over the age of 23 and Brazil’s trio will be whittled down from the six currently in the running – Jefferson (Botafogo), Thiago Silva (Milan), David Luiz (Chelsea), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Hulk (Porto) and Dani Alves (Barcelona).
Neymar, Alexandre Pato and Paulo Henrique Ganso – who are all full internationals but fall under the age bracket – are also in line to take up a place at the tournament.
Menezes says his squad for the Olympics will be drawn solely from the current group and it likely that those not on the list will not be taking part.
“It’s correct to affirm that these 23 names are the base of the Olympic team,” Menezes says.
“It’s unlikely we will make any changes. After making evaluations in the last few months, we think these are the names for London.”
Menezes, who is also the coach of the senior Brazil national side, has picked two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho regularly for A Seleção despite some indifferent club form but says it is time for a change of tact.
“If things are not going well you make a change,” he says. “But you have to respect Ronaldinho, he is a world champion. He is the type of player who can bounce back and surprise everyone.”
Despite their impressive pedigree, the Olympic tournament is the only significant competition Brazil are yet to win. The five-time FIFA World Cup champions won silver in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics and earned bronze in 1996 and 2008.
Oceania representatives New Zealand will face Brazil in their final group match of London 2012 after earlier taking on Belarus on July 26 in Coventry and Egypt on July 29 in Manchester.

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