India prepare for a historic showdown against Brazil as Kolkata gets set for a night of high-quality international football.
The temperature in India isn’t looking to drop; with the Selcao’s arrival, Kolkata’s warmth has just met the wind. On a day like this, with the temperature touching the 30-degree mark and humidity at 71%, Brazil will take on India for the first time in history. With the stage getting ready, the West Bengal government is taking all measures to ensure safety and a peaceful event. Last year, when Messi arrived at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, the whole world saw the humiliation. West Bengal government, along with AIFF making sure to take all the precautions needed.
Police have stepped up security and traffic arrangements ahead of the much-anticipated international match at the stadium. Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Rathore Amit Kumar Bharat said a large contingent would be deployed around the venue and approach roads. Traffic signage and parking facilities are also being arranged. Spectators will be barred from carrying narcotics, firecrackers, laser lights, banners, posters, umbrellas and water bottles. The measures follow FIFA guidelines and aim to ensure safety and smooth crowd movement.
Ahead of the match, Carlos Ancelotti and Marquinhos came for the press conference; Khalid Jamil and Anwar Ali also met the press.
‘It will never be a friendly game’- Carlo Ancelotti
The Brazilian Coach welcomed the Indian press, saying Namaste, and also gave insights on their approach; though they are Brazilian, Carlo is firm on their planning, giving respect to the Indian team. He said, “For us, it will never be a friendly game. It will always be an important game to improve.” Carlo, at the press conference, emphasised the team balance more, accepting the fact that Brazil, in the last few years, has not played well. He said, “The last period of the national team was not so good. After 2002, the national team was not able to win the World Cup, and he also added, “We were not able to compete enough in the World Cup in 2026.”
While the opponent is India, who is far behind in the rankings, Brazil only see this as a game time. “We have the opportunity to spend more time with the players, to train them a little more and consider more the importance of the game and training.” He spoke.
Indian team is ready for the challenge
Taking inspiration from the Panama match, India team is now aiming to conquer Brazil, Khalid Jamil said in the press conference, that they are ready to give their 100 per cent. He also accepted that Brazil is a big team and the result is not in their hands, and they are only focusing on giving their best.
India is dreaming of a new dawn, holding hands with Khalid Jamil and the boys, on Saturday at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan; the reality of Indian football will unfold, and before that, in practice, Anwar Ali, along with Jay Gupta, came in notice as they had a long chat with the coach.
Predicted lineups
India- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK) — Abhishek Tekcham, Bijoy Varghese, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra — Vikram Partap Singh, Apuia, Ricky Shabong, Ashique Kuruniyan — Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams
Brazil- Otávio (GK) — Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Mauro Júnior — Andrey Santos, Douglas Luiz — Gabriel Botempo, Rayan, Vinícius Júnior
When and where to watch the match?
India will face Brazil on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30 PM IST. The match will be telecast on Sony Sports Network and can be streamed in Sony liv app.
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