KEY POINTS:
Cleberson
It was just a little peck on the referee's cheek. The sort of stuff wives would give their husbands after a long day at the office.
But Ubiraci Damasio obviously didn't appreciate Cleberson's amorous approach and showed the big centre back a yellow card.
Although Cleberson is now a Wellington Phoenix player, he is better known around the world for kissing the referee during a Brazilian first division match.
As Cleberson stuck out an arm to check the progress of a Botafogo player, his opponent took a dive of Greg Louganis proportions. Referee Demasio whistled for a foul against Cleberson, who, incredulous that he had been seen as the culprit, proceeded to kiss the whistleblower.
"I didn't know it was against the rules," Cleberson told reporters soon after arriving in Wellington a fortnight ago for the upcoming A-League season.
Despite his reputation for puckering up, fans are more likely to see a harder edge to the 29-year-old.
The former Cabofriense, Botafogo, Sao Paulo and PSV Eindhoven centre back has a reputation for being an uncompromising defender, usually something of a juxtaposition in Brazilian football.
He's also a strong personality and is said to be the heart and soul of the dressing room already.
"I haven't seen him kiss a team-mate yet but I'm sure he will if he scores," Phoenix boss Ricki Herbert joked.
Cleberson is one of four Brazilians recruited by the Phoenix for their debut season in the Australian competition. He has been joined by compatriots Daniel, George and Felipe.
In many respects, the Phoenix's success depends heavily on the performances of the four imports. Not only are they expected to entertain in the way Brazilians are renowned but are also expected to deliver results.
Herbert cast his eye over more than 300 DVDs of players, mostly from South America, before settling on the four.
He deliberately chose four from the same nation to make it easier for them to fit into New Zealand but, considering the signings were done sight-unseen, it was risky business.
A week after Cleberson, Felipe and George arrived from Brazil, the Phoenix coach says he is optimistic he's signed the right players.
"I would be really surprised if we haven't got it 50 per cent spot on and disappointed if we don't get 75 per cent right," he said.
Herbert expects the four to get up to speed quickly, particularly their fitness, and he's also introduced a ban on speaking Portuguese at trainings. For George and Felipe in particular, this has been as much a shock as the cold Wellington weather.
Daniel
Although a lot of Brazilian footballers emerge from the favellas, or slums, of Rio de Janeiro, Daniel Lins Cortes had the good fortune of growing up in one of the country's more wealthy regions.
He began his career as a junior with Rio giants Flamengo and is said to have been a childhood friend of Brazilian superstar Kaka, with the two playing together in the national under-18 side.
The left-sided midfielder made his top-flight debut with Madureira before being signed by Dutch side FC Twente in 2003.
He had a spell with Videoton in Hungary before being convinced to return to Brazil by Jairzinho, a member of the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning side, to play for first division side Botafogo.
Since then he's had spells with Juventude and Guarani before signing a two-year deal with the Phoenix.
Daniel, whose pregnant wife is known as Danielle, has already made an impression on his new team-mates as a skilful player with an eye for goal. He's also likely to be the Phoenix's dead ball specialist.
"He's been quite exceptional on and off the pitch," Herbert said.
Felipe
Said to be the most skilful of the four, Felipe De Souza Campos has already been talked about as someone who could make a similar impression as Fred, a standout for A-League champions Melbourne last season.
Standing only 1.72m tall, he's not likely to win many headers but he's said to be a magician with the ball and in only 30 minutes against the Central Coast Mariners last weekend showed he wants to act as playmaker.
"He's a natural talent and I think he could be a handful for defenders, once he gets a lot fitter," Herbert said. "He's intelligent, very focused and a clever passer."
Felipe was previously with Croatian club Hajduk Split and has signed with the Phoenix for one season, with the option for another.
George
There is a lot of curiosity surrounding George Dos Santos Paladini. The 29-year-old is small in stature but is quick and is expected to play in the hole behind the strikers or wide on the right.
George's fitness is a concern four weeks out from the A-League season but, once he gets up to speed, he could trouble defenders.
He comes to the Phoenix via Flamengo RJ and Sport RE in Brazil, as well as Carabobo in Venezuela and Portugal's Santa Clara.
