RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti named eight newcomers in his squad on Wednesday for friendlies against Australia and India.
The uncapped players include Coritiba goalkeeper Pedro Morisco, Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otavio, Coritnhians full-back Matheuzinho and Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias.
Other new faces were Nottingham Forest center-back Jair Cunha, PSV full-back Mauro Junior, Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon and Santos midfielder Gabriel Bontempo.
"There is no closed door," Ancelotti told reporters. "The door is open to everyone. Of course, right now I prefer to focus my work on the young players and follow their progress."
Only 10 of the 26 players named by Ancelotti were part of the squad that was eliminated by Norway in the round of 16 at this year's FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Missing were Neymar, who has retired from international football, Casemiro, Alisson, Ederson, Danilo and Weverton, among others.
Those who retained their places included Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Endrick.
"The World Cup was a huge disappointment for us and for me," Ancelotti said. "We didn't reach where we wanted to be. The elimination was very painful, and we regret it.
Brazil will play Australia in Townsville and Brisbane on September 25 and 29 before facing India in Kolkata four days later. ■
