25,000 turn up to watch Brazil play pig in middle

OFFENBACH, Germany, June 8: A capacity crowd of around 25,000 people today watched world champions Brazil hold a light training session amid an atmosphere of near-hysteria.

The first 20 minutes of the practice took place amid the backdrop of loud techno and Brazilian Axe music which was suddenly cut off, possibly on the orders of the coaching staff.

The stadium announcer also provided a running commentary as the players preceded the practice with a game of pig in the middle.

There were loud screams every time Ronaldinho and Kaka went near the touchlines as the atmosphere bore more resemblance to a pop concert.

The training was also interrupted when a teenager managed to breach security and ran on to the field. He managed to get an autograph from Ronaldinho before being led away.

Brazil striker Ronaldo did not take part as he was rested because of a slight fever. Brazil face Croatia, Japan and Australia in their first-round Group F.

It was Brazil's only training session open to the public before their opening game against Croatia in Berlin on June 13.

Reuters