TERESOPOLIS, Brazil, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Brazil's players, who next week enjoy a home international for the first time in more than two years, said on Wednesday they were eager for the rare chance to perform in front of their own public.
The 2010 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Oct. 17 will be Brazil's first home game since their 3-0 win over Venezuela on Oct. 12, 2005, the final match of the 2006 qualifiers.
It will also be their first game at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium since they demolished Bolivia 5-0 in 2000.
"I greatly want to return, to play in front of our own supporters," said Ronaldinho, the only member of the squad to have played for Brazil at the Maracana.
"(Playing at the Maracana) is a completely different type of emotion because of everything the Maracana represents.
"To wear the Brazil shirt there is something special, I can't even explain what it's like."
Brazil are away to Colombia on Saturday in their opening match of the 2010 World Cup qualifying tournament, before facing Ecuador.
Brazil are away to Colombia on Saturday in their opening match of the 2010 World Cup qualifying tournament, before facing Ecuador.
Midfielder Gilberto Silva said the home matches would give them a chance to build bridges with the public after their lacklustre display in last year's World Cup, where they lost to France in the quarter-finals.
Brazil won this year's Copa America in Venezuela under new coach Dunga, although their physical style has not pleased all their critics.
"The World Cup is something to be forgotten by the players, only those of us who were there know how difficult that moment was," Gilberto Silva said.
"I think this a moment in which we are winning back the Brazilian supporters," he added.
"It's a long time since we've played in our country with the national team and it's something we miss a lot...playing in our stadiums in front of a public who are passionate about football."
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