体坛英语新闻：Portugal stars "escape" from press upon arrival in Brasilia

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.