RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of
soccer-mad fans and reporters gathered at the Brasilia airport on Monday, hoping
to get a glance at Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo and his team.
However, they were disappointed and have to wait for
Tuesday's training sessions before the eye-catching Brazil vs Portugal friendly
on Wednesday.
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.