WEGGIS, Switzerland - Some Brazilian soccer fans are unhappy because they can't get to see the players at training camp.

Brazil's national soccer players Roberto Carlos, center, trains with teammate Robinho, left, during a training session at Thermoplan arena in Weggis, central Switzerland, Monday, May 29, 2006. Brazil will play against Australia, Croatia and Japan in group F at the upcoming 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany. [AP]

 

Only those with a ticket to the training sessions have been able to see the squad, which has been isolated in its hotel since arriving in Weggis eight days ago for two weeks of preparation.

"We are trying everything we can to see them, to get an autograph, but they don't even care," said 39-year-old Marilene Correa, shortly after the tinted-window bus carrying the Brazilians to practice passed by her. "They need to start thinking about the fans who came here only because of them."

The players are escorted to training sessions by police cars, giving fans no chance to get near. Their hotel, which has been closed to guests, is fenced off. About 40 security guards keep fans away, and access to nearby streets has been restricted.

"We are very disappointed," 12-year-old Karen Ferreira said. "The players should've been given more attention to us."

The only fans to get near the team were those who ran onto the field Friday. One of them, a Brazilian woman, managed to hug Ronaldinho.

"It's normal to have fans trying to get close to us," Ronaldinho has said. "But it's hard, it's a lot of people."