For the Brazilian men’s hockey team, playing at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be a very different experience. Unlike their football or volleyball counterparts, the hockey lads are not used to being idolised.

“It’s going to be different, for sure, and very special,” said goalkeeper Rodrigo Faustino. “We are not used to playing in front of supporters. Or when we do, they are against us. We normally just pretend they are shouting for us.”

Such self-deception will not be required in front of the passionate host nation fans at Deodoro Olympic Park next year.

“To play in the Olympics was always my dream. To make it real, in front of our own fans, will be fantastic.”

Matheus Borges, Brazil no.10

Faustino and Borges are experienced in delivering under pressure. At this year’s Pan-American Games in Toronto they had to reach the semi-finals to be sure of a place at Rio 2016. Borges puts them ahead against the USA, who equalised to force a 1-1 draw. In the resulting penalty shoot, Faustino was the hero, making two fine saves as Brazil won 3-1.

Matheus Borges (right) shows off his Olympic tattoo (Photo Rio 2016/Alexandre Loureiro)

For Borges, the desire to compete at the Olympic Games was so strong that in 2010 he put a permanent reminder on his forearm: a tattoo of the Olympic rings, so that he would never forget his dearest goal.

Faustino and Borges, both 22, are in action this week at the Rio 2016 test event on the newly constructed pitches for the Olympic Games. Rio2016.com caught up with them and asked about their hopes for next year.

“It’s going to be very difficult, but a real pleasure too,” said Faustino. “All those players we have admired on television and on the internet will be in front of us, on the pitch, playing against us. It will be a unique opportunity.”

Borges scored on Tuesday (24 November) as Brazil drew 1-1 with Trinidad & Tobago in their first match of the test event. On Wednesday, the hosts will take on Mexico, who lost 6-1 to Chile on Tuesday.