At the rugby scrum that was Brazil's press conference yesterday in Ulsan, South Korea, Ronaldo whipped the South Korean girls into a frenzy and the Brazilian press went crazy over the announcement of a fresh injury problem.
After making everyone wait for over an hour-and-a-half, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Juninho, Cafu, Denilson and Roberto Carlos turned up and worked the crowed for just over 10 minutes.
PHOTO: REUTERS
It was a lot of waiting for a little action, plenty of smiles, some waves and off they went back to the hotel.
The biggest news came from Rivaldo, who spoke of an injury to Emerson during a practice session.
"I feel terrible. The doctor is currently examining whether he [Emerson] will be able to play tomorrow. No-one is sure about his condition."
On the team's preparations for today's game against Turkey, Rivaldo said, "We are in a very good condition. We'll try our best."
A FIFA representative said the Brazilian team doctor would give an update on Emerson's condition later that evening from the team's hotel in Ulsan.
The most in-demand player was Ronaldo, who was besieged by journalists and caused a near riot among 30 or so South Korean young female volunteer staff.
The young ladies were clearly supposed to be assisting journalists, but completely forgot their job when Ronaldo came near. With one voice, it seemed, they started whooping and frantically waving to claim his attention.
Ronaldo gave his trademark toothsome smile and disappeared.
Meanwhile, the Taipei Times spoke to former Middlesbrough player Juninho Paulista, who played his first match for Brazil in 1995, becoming that year's Brazilian Player of the Year.
The mercurial midfielder -- who has 44 caps and has scored five goals for his country -- said that he liked the fact that Brazil was not the favorite at this World Cup.
"To some extent it has taken the pressure off us and we can focus on the task ahead," Juninho said.
After a poor run in qualifying, Brazil had to beat Venezuela in its final game to make it to South Korea and Japan, keeping up its unique record of playing in every World Cup tournament.
Asked who he thought might win the World Cup if Brazil did not make it he said, "All the usual strong teams like England, Spain and Germany and so on have an equal chance. They can all win, so we will just have to see."
Brazil and Turkey have never faced each other in World Cup competition, but striker Denilson said, "Turkey has a strong defense, but we know what we have to do. It will be a good match."
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