Brazil to play special match at the 2005 Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong

Samba Soccer is set to make a splash in this year’s Carlsberg Cup as FIFA 2002 World Cup champions Brazil have confirmed to make a historic first appearance in Hong Kong in the 2005 Carlsberg Cup. Brazil will play in a special single match Carlsberg Cup competition at the Hong Kong Stadium at 5:00pm on Wednesday, 9 February 2005.

Soren Holm Jensen, General Manager of Carlsberg Hong Kong commented, “As passionate football fans ourselves, Carlsberg is delighted to bring the Brazil national football team to Hong Kong for the first time ever. With the top footballers in the world playing, this year’s Carlsberg Cup will be one of the most exciting football moments in Hong Kong history, fulfilling Carlsberg’s mission to provide world-class entertainment and enjoyment to the people of Hong Kong.”

The Hon. Timothy Fok, President of the HKFA also welcomed the Brazilians’ arrival saying, “The HKFA is excited and honoured to host five-time World Cup champions Brazil. They are arguably the most famous team in the game’s history and bringing the distinct style and flair of Brazilian football to Hong Kong continuing our tradition of offering world-class football occasions for Hong Kong fans. Also, the chance to play against the world’s best team is a unique opportunity for our local players and will help us in developing Hong Kong football to an elite international level.”

The HKFA has confirmed that the Hong Kong Representative Team will play against the world champions in the Carlsberg Cup, Hong Kong’s premier international football tournament. Martin Hong, Chairman of the HKFA said, “With the recent promising performance of the Hong Kong Representative Team and the tremendous local support of the fans, I believe we will reach our highest standard against the visiting football giants.”

Ticket prices for this Hong Kong football classic have been set at $1500, $1200, $800, $500 and $150 (elderly and student concessionary tickets) depending on selected seating. Tickets sales are to begin later this month.

Brazil, the only country to win five FIFA World Cups, is the world’s most successful football nation. Brazil won their first World Cup in 1958 and defended their title four years later in 1962 in Chile. Their third World Cup came in 1970 in Mexico, after which they were allowed to keep the Jules Rimet Cup in perpetuity. After an agonising 24-year wait, their fourth and fifth World Cups came in relatively quick succession, starting in 1994 in the USA, when they beat Italy in the first penalty shootout in a World Cup final, with the last Cup coming in the most recent final in 2002 in Japan/Korea. Brazil is also the only nation to have qualified for every World Cup.

Brazil’s appearance in the 2005 Carlsberg Cup crowns the Brewer’s 17th year of title sponsorship of the event and reinforces its global promotion of the world’s most popular sport. Carlsberg is also a main sponsor of English Premier League club Liverpool FC.