Attendance more than satisfactory

FOXBOROUGH - Last night's Revolution-FC Dallas/Brazil-Venezuela doubleheader at Gillette Stadium was the seventh-highest attended soccer event in area history. A crowd of 54,045, mostly clad in the gold shirts of the Brazilian national team, attended the twin bill. The record attendance for a Boston-area soccer game was 67,584 for Brazil-Mexico last Sept. 12, followed by a crowd of 61,316 for the Revolution-Los Angeles Galaxy MLS Cup game in 2002.

"Nobody can be disappointed with that number," Revolution general manager Craig Tornberg said of last night's attendance. "We signed the deal 30 days ago and we've really only had a two-week campaign to sell. Before that it was word of mouth and a few interviews.

"The rain didn't help attendance and the result [Venezuela, 2-0] was a surprise, but that's why they play these games. From the [boos] at the end, a lot of people left disappointed. They wanted to see 90 minutes of soccer and they are disappointed because they expect so much from Brazil. Everyone expects Brazil to win and score four goals. But they have the same expectations here as in Minas Gerais [Brazil meets Argentina in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, June 18] and if they lose that one, 2-0, they will get booed off the pitch."

Asked if Brazil could return, Tornberg said, "It's up to the promoters, but they feel the stadium is first class and the team is treated very well here by the fans."

Both Brazil games overtook the previous local record for an exhibition game (51,273) for United States-Ireland June 1, 1991.

Not desired result

The Brazilian players seemed surprised by last night's result.

"It was a difficult game but we have to get ready to play two hard games against Paraguay and Argentina," said striker Alexandre Pato.

Training with stars

Revolution reserves Chase Hilgenbrinck and Chris Tierney trained with Brazil this week.

"They are world-class players, they are superstars in the minds of every soccer fan in the world, and I include myself," Hilgenbrinck said of the Brazilians. "It's obvious how much fun they have. There is a lot of professionalism and perfection to what they do. They pay attention to detail, but they are having a great time. Some people don't think you can enjoy the game and be a perfectionist at the same time, but they have shown you can."

Tierney, born in Boston and raised in Wellesley, signed a developmental contract with the Revolution last month.

Tierney played midfield at the University of Virginia, but lined up as a central defender next to Bayern Munich's Lucio in Brazil's scrimmage at the Gillette Stadium practice field.

"I wasn't going to argue," Tierney said of playing out of position. "In the warm-ups you could see right away how good they are. They have a light-hearted attitude and they are so loose about it, and that shows in their play. They are so confident on the ball and confident with each other."

Shape of things

Kleber, Kaká, and Afonso scored for Brazil in a 3-1 win over Mexico at Gillette Stadium last September.

"I'm not sure I remember that game," Robinho said earlier in the week. "Everywhere we go the stadium is full and most of the people are cheering for us."

Asked about the sparse attention the Brazilian team received since arriving in Boston Sunday, Robinho said, "It's not a country for futebol. The ball is a different shape here."

Brazil coach Dunga announced five players from last night's roster would be candidates for the Olympic team: goalkeeper Diego Alves, midfielder Diego, and strikers Alexandre Pato, Robinho, and Rafael Sobis.

Dunga built the team's attack around Kaká, Robinho, and Ronaldinho last year. Kaká missed this tour because of a May 23 knee operation and was replaced by Diego in a 3-2 win over Canada in Seattle last week. Diego, who plays for Werder Bremen, competed against Kaká in Brazil, but believes they can complement each other with the national team.

"We have played against each other and we have played together," Diego said. "There is competition, but we also have an understanding on the field and we can play well together."

The last time Brazilian midfielder Anderson touched the ball in a game, he converted a penalty kick as Manchester United defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow May 21. "Being in Manchester is great, I have family and friends there," Anderson said. "And training every day with Manchester United has helped my confidence."

PK perfection

Steve Ralston improved to 6 for 6 on penalty kicks for the Revolution in regular-season MLS games after converting in the 22d minute last night. Ralston last attempted a penalty kick in an MLS match Sept. 30, 2006 (a 3-1 win over Colorado), replacing Shalrie Joseph, who was injured, and also converted in a 4-2 win at Rochester in a US Open Cup game last year. Joseph has been the team's penalty-kick taker since 2005, but missed his last attempt in a 1-0 victory over Columbus May 24. "Shalrie missed his last one and Ralston stepped up," said Revolution coach Steve Nicol.