Local side to tackle world champs in Lunar New Year match
The game is on. Star-studded world favourites Brazil will become the most glamorous national side ever to appear in the SAR after the five-time world champions were signed to make their debut in the Carlsberg Cup next month.
Brazil's match on February 9 on the first day of the Chinese New Year will be a first for Hong Kong fans and will easily top any previous national team who have played here, including a full national England side, who narrowly defeated now-defunct local club Golden 1-0 before Euro 96.
The Hong Kong Football Association has refused to divulge information on the deal, although the Post has learned that the boys from Brazil were signed late on Sunday night and have been offered in excess of US$1 million in appearance money, plus airfares and accommodation. An official announcement will be made on Thursday.
As reported by the Post last week, the match will be part of the HKFA's 90th anniversary celebrations and will also fall on the Fifa international match date when a number of World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies will be played.
It is also understood that the contract would guarantee Brazil sending a full team, packed with their superstar players, including World Player of the Year Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. Barring injury or illness, stars such as Real Madrid's Roberto Carlos, AC Milan's Kaka, Arsenal's Giberto Silva and Kleberson from Manchester United could also make an appearance.
The showpiece will not clash with Barcelona or Real Madrid's fixtures, making it highly likely that Hong Kong fans will get to watch Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in action.
