It is the third successive year that fewer than 20,000 people have paid to attend the showpiece at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium.

Although 25,000 tickets were available to the public, only 19,825 were sold. Total attendance was 23,425.

More than 53,000 people registered for tickets but 15,000 remained unsold on Monday night.

The turnout must have left promoters wondering which team could guarantee a full house if the world champion could not.

Gate revenue was HK$16.25 million, but it remains unknown if the organizers made a profit and how this may affect future tournaments.

Carlsberg Hong Kong officials could not be reached for comment on Thursday, while Martin Lam, general secretary of organizer Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA), declined to comment.

The HKFA reportedly paid more than US$1 million (HK$7.8 million) in appearance fees, airfares and accommodation to secure Brazil for a match celebrating the 90th anniversaries of the HKFA and Brazilian counterpart, the CBF.

One possible reason for the low turnout was high ticket prices, with many of the HK$1,500 seats vacant. Another is the absence of Real Madrid star Ronaldo who was not released by his club.

In the summer of 2003, when Hong Kong was recovering from the effects of Sars, both English Premier League side Liverpool and Real Madrid drew crowds in excess of 39,000.

Next up for Hong Kong is Manchester United, which is to play the SAR on July 23, and Beijing Hyundai on July 26, as part of a four-match tour.

Brazil's scorers were Lucio, Roberto Carlos, Ricardo de Oliveira (two), Ronaldinho, Robinho, and substitute Alex. Hong Kong substitute striker Lee Sze-ming put one past the world champion in the 85th minute.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said winning is all about desire.

``The difference in standard between us and Hong Kong was great, but it would not have mattered if our team did not put our whole soul into this match,'' Parreira said.

``For us, the opportunity to play together as a team is a rare one, and will help us prepare for our next World Cup qualifier against Peru in March.''

Hong Kong coach Lai Sun-cheung said his team relished the opportunity.

``Despite the scoreline, we were very happy with the team's performance,'' Lai said. ``There is an obvious difference in the technical standards of our players and the Brazilians.

``Our players learned a lot from today's encounter and will be better prepared for future competitions.''

paris.lord@globalchina.com