• World Cup

Luiz seals 'dream' Brazil spot but Liverpool duo miss out

David Luiz says it is a "dream come true" to be selected in Luis Felipe Scolari's Brazil squad for a World Cup on home soil.

Chelsea's Luiz was included on Scolari's 23-name list on Wednesday, with Brazil set to kick off the tournament against Croatia on June 12.

"I'm so happy because it's my dream come true" Luiz told the BBC. "I want to say thank you to God first, for my family, my friends, for every single person who has helped me during my career.

"We need to win, that's our life. All the Brazilian people are waiting for that. It's big pressure but it makes us alive.

"I'm anxious, I want to be there tomorrow. Playing the World Cup is a big opportunity for our generation to play at home."

Luiz's fellow Chelsea stars Willian, Oscar and Ramires all made the cut, along with Tottenham's Paulinho and Manchester City's Fernandinho.

However, Liverpool duo Lucas Leiva and Philippe Countinho have seen their World Cup dreams ended after both missed out.

Lucas has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool after a succession of injuries, although Coutinho has been in sublime form for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Scolari announced his squad without any major surprises, choosing most of the players who won last year's Confederations Cup.

The list includes 16 players who were in the team that won last year's warm-up tournament by beating world champions Spain in the final.

Past stars such as Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho were left out as expected.

"Scolari with the national team, he always shows his team, he's so transparent," added Luiz. "So every time he gave an opportunity for some players everyone always knows his team.

"Everyone knew before about 20-21 players who will be in the squad so it's not a surprise for anyone when you have some names not coming to the national team with Scolari."

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