While bitter rivals Argentina began the year with a squad picked entirely of domestic based players, Brazil are pursuing a decidedly different path. In his first squad since taking over from Luis Felipe Scolari, Carlos Alberto Parreira selected '19 foreigners', as some sections of the Brazilian press corps dubbed the squad, for the reigning world champions' trip to China next month.

Parreira, who led Brazil to their fourth World Cup triumph in 1994,

has not been shy with his first selection since re-acquainting himself with football's most prestige coaching job. Since the pentacampeonato Brazil's enthusiastic press has expanded the 'Three Rs'; now including Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos it has become four.

The Three Rs - Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho - quickly became the attacking threat in Korea and Japan, and now Parreira is ready to unleash the most dashing quartet since D'Artagnan and co. on a third South East Asian nation.

Rivaldo has shelved any international retirement plans he might have had. After pondering the idea of quitting Brazil after his off-season

transfer from Barcelona to AC Milan, the bow-legged striker has committed himself to playing in Germany 2006.

Twelve of the 'foreigners' played in the World Cup under Scolari, and his successor has seen no reason to fix what clearly isn't broken. His inclusion of Parma's Adriano, a young, athletic striker who made one appearance in a World Cup qualifier against Colombia in 2001, is the only surprise in a squad that has seen it and done it all.

'We have to start the job with enthusiasm, with optimism," Parreira told a news conference. "We know about the difficulties we are going to find along the way. It's

not enough to have the best players, we have to have planning as well. Brazil have already proved on the field that we are the best in the world. Our big challenge with each friendly is to convince the players that each team the Selecao plays, we have to play with an amateur spirit, with happiness and optimism.'

Three domestic based players will be selected for the squad on February 5, a week before the match against China, who Brazil beat 4-0 in the first round of the World Cup. China can expect little more facing a crack Brazilian side that will be out to impress the new man in charge.