India’s spirited resistance eventually gave way to Brazil’s attacking quality as the Blue Tigers suffered a 4-0 defeat to the five-time FIFA World Cup champions in the international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.
Khalid Jamil’s men made a disciplined start, frustrating Brazil with a compact defensive shape and limiting space through the middle. For more than 25 minutes, India remained organised and forced the visitors to work patiently for openings.
Brazil finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Estêvão picked up possession just outside the penalty area, drove forward and unleashed a left-footed shot towards the near post. India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu got a hand to the effort but could not keep it out.
The opening goal changed the momentum. Brazil began finding more space around India’s defensive block, with Estêvão becoming increasingly influential.
In the 36th minute, Estêvão delivered a dangerous cross for Pedro, whose header came back off the right post. But Brazil did not have to wait long for a second.
Six minutes later, Estêvão turned provider again, threading a perfectly weighted pass behind the Indian defence. Pedro timed his run brilliantly and finished through Sandhu’s right glove to make it 2-0.
Brazil nearly added another before the interval when Vinícius took advantage of uncertainty in the Indian defence, but India managed to clear the danger.
Both teams made changes at half-time. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced five fresh players, while Jamil brought on Prabhsukhan Singh Gill for his debut, along with Jay Gupta and Mohammed Sanan, as India looked to make a stronger impact after the break.
The Blue Tigers responded positively. Ryan Williams registered India’s first shot on target in the 53rd minute, testing the Brazilian goalkeeper from distance. Two minutes later, Manvir Singh created another opening, forcing Morisco to palm his effort behind from a tight angle.
However, just when India appeared to be building momentum, Brazil delivered another blow.
Samuel Lino found the net in the 58th minute to extend Brazil’s advantage to 3-0. India continued to compete and attempted to create opportunities, but Brazil’s control and individual quality made a comeback increasingly difficult.
Lino completed his brace deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 90+4th minute to put the finishing touch on Brazil’s 4-0 victory.
For India, the scoreline ultimately reflected the gulf in attacking quality, but the performance was not without positives. The Blue Tigers showed discipline, organisation and courage for significant periods, particularly during the opening half, while several players gained valuable experience against one of international football’s most decorated teams.
India’s Starting XI:
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams, Sahal Abdul Samad, Ashique Kuruniyan
Brazil’s Starting XI:
Pedro Morisco, Douglas Santos, Marquinhos, Arthur Dias, Matheuzinho, Danilo, Andrey Santos, Gabriel Bontempo, Estevao, Pedro, Vinicius Jr
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
