TimesofIndia.com in Kolkata: With just over 24 hours until the India vs Brazil match, the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was brimming with activity on Friday, despite it being a national holiday. Cleaning was underway in large numbers, and hoardings were being put up throughout the gigantic stadium and inside. Around 4 p.m., the Brazil national team walked out for a light practice session.After a brief chat by the coaches, including manager Carlo Ancelotti, the squad underwent some limbering exercises and running about to test agility. It was followed by a rondo comprising the entire squad. In another corner, the goalkeepers were tested with low efforts as they dove around on the warm, upgraded turf of the iconic stadium.Just 20 hours back, the five-time World Cup champions Brazil had landed in Kolkata from Australia. A tight security cordon was placed as they exited the VIP gate and a convoy ensured they swiftly made their way to a plush five-star hotel. There, too, an unbreachable security bandobast kept a large group of fans at bay.Much has changed since Lionel Messi’s chaotic, and short, visit to this part of the world in December. But the memory lingers and has proven to be a warning for all involved.For the security officials and organisers, nothing is being left to chance. Pilot cars, barricades at a distance, and layers of security have been the mantra. As they made their way from the airport to the hotel, an eight-minute window was worked out. As the Seleção left the team hotel, some fans did get a glimpse of the team but were largely kept at arm’s length.
The other side of the warning went to fans. Some of the football enthusiasts are believed to have been scared off by the disorder of the Messi visit, where angry fans breached security and a 22-minute appearance disappointed many.Another reason for fans staying away has been the ticket prices. 24 hours before kick-off, the ticket prices began from Rs 3,500 and went up until Rs 15,000. Even when they were offered at discount, not many takers have shown up. 14,000 tickets were offered at a reduced price to supporters of East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting, but all were not taken up. As per the last report, only 30-40% of the tickets have been sold so far for the marquee fixture.Lack of starpower in the current Brazil team is another factor. Vinicius Jr., who plays for Real Madrid, is the biggest face involved. Barcelona’s Raphinha returned to Spain after sustaining a right thigh injury during a friendly win against the Socceroos.
Big occasion for Kolkata
VInicius Jr. in a practice session for Brazil ahead of FIFA friendly against India in Kolkata. (AIFF)
Brazil and Argentina both have dedicated fanbases in Kolkata, where the fans’ love for their flamboyance goes back decades. Neighbourhoods get draped in the colours of Brazil and Argentina during World Cups. Salt Lake Stadium had sold-out crowds of more than 60,000 when Argentina played a friendly in 2011, and Brazil competed in the U-17 World Cup six years later.At the airport, there was little to hint that one of the biggest football teams on the planet had arrived just a few hours ago. A cabbie informed that they exited from Gate 3C and were quickly on their way.Few kilometres away as one headed into the city towards the Salt Lake Stadium, a giant hoarding read: ‘Bumper Saturday’ bearing the faces of India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Brazil’s winger Vinicius Jr.
We know how this region loves the national team… we are happy to be here to play against India
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti
“We know how this region loves the national team… we are happy to be here to play against India,” Ancelotti said on Friday. “All these games… are good preparation and a good opportunity to show what we can do.“I would like the players to enjoy themselves, to play with happiness in every game. You want to play with joy. It’s not a test, but an opportunity,” continued the Italian.Captain Marquinhos said the friendly was a way to thank Brazil’s supporters in India.“Of course, the focus is always very much on playing well and winning the match, but being here is also a way of thanking the Indian people for their support and for following the Brazilian national team all these years, throughout its history,” he said.“This is also the second-largest group of supporters of the national team outside Brazil, so it’s a pleasure and an honour.”
Even bigger occasion for Khalid’s India
World No. 138 India are the lowest-ranked opponents Brazil have faced since 1998, when they played 185th-ranked Andorra.The gulf in quality and achievements is massive between the two teams. With India failing to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, and missing the Asian Games completely on account of not meeting the Sports Ministry’s qualification requirements, the contest is as much about the test as it is about the spectacle.AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey called this a ‘historic’ opportunity, while the federation hopes this contest can attract new followers and give Indian players an experience they rarely get. But it has come at a cost.India withdrew from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, a competition featuring some of the teams at par with India. Instead, with the two competitions clashing, and an attempt to use two teams being disallowed, the friendlies have been given the priority.Defender Anwar Ali underlined the importance of not getting overawed. “We just have to focus. Because everyone knows how Brazil play. So, we just have to keep calm in the field. And deal with the pressure,” he said.In a conversation with TimesofIndia.com, former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioned that move, arguing that competitive matches and long-term investment would offer greater value than spending heavily on a high-profile friendly.The Khalid Jamil managed side are coming on the back of a gritty 1-1 draw against Panama in Bengaluru on September 25. But the next challenge is even bigger.“They are the best team. They are known as the best of the best. They are defensively very strong. Their attacking is good,” Jamil said in the press conference.SquadsIndia: Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Som Kumar; Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam; Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Farukh Choudhary, Lalengmawia Ralte, Macarton Nickson, Mohammed Sanan, Ricky Shabong, Sahal Abdul Samad; Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Partap Singh.Brazil: Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio; Defenders: Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Junior, Vitor Reis, Wesley; Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo; Forwards: Endrick, Stephen, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior.
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