Hundreds of soccer-mad fans and reporters gathered at the Brasilia airport
yesterday, hoping to get a glance at Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo and his
team.
However, they were disappointed and have to wait for today's training
sessions before the eye-catching Brazil vs Portugal friendly tomorrow.
The Portuguese team, with star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco, was picked
up on the tarmac by a private bus before heading to the Kubitschek Hotel where
they will stay until Thursday.
Brazil's head coach Dunga also managed to dodge the questions of the media
and the criticism of the crowds as he entered a private car as soon as the plane
touched down and was taken directly to the hotel while being accompanied by a
body guard.
Many of the Brazilian players, traveling from Europe, are expected to greet
their fans, while some of the local ones, including Miranda from Sao Paulo,
Kleber from Santos and Alex of Internacional, have already arrived in the
capital city.
"It is always a pleasure to wear the Brazilian jersey. If coach Dunga thinks
that I deserve to play, I will be more than ready," said Miranda upon his
arrival.
The fullback's chances of seeing action increased recently with the news that
Lucio was recently injured in his last game in Europe.
Due to Lucio's cut, Dunga will only have three fullbacks at his disposition:
Luisao, Thiago Silva and Miranda.