The Blue Tigers arrive in Kolkata after a resilient draw against Panama, with Brazil awaiting them at the VYBK on October 3.
Kolkata, September 28: The Bengaluru chapter is over. Now, the Blue Tigers have reached Kolkata — and the mood around Indian football is slowly changing.
After a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the Indian senior men’s national team landed in the City of Joy on Monday afternoon. Their next challenge is a much bigger one, with Brazil waiting at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 3.
And Kolkata already knows what is coming.
The city does not need much of an invitation when it comes to football. With the Blue Tigers back in town and one of the biggest names in world football set to walk out at the Vivekanada Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the countdown has now properly begun.
India will also carry some confidence from the Panama game. The result was not just about the scoreline. The team showed discipline, stayed in the game and had its moments against a side ranked higher. The Blue Tigres has provided one of the biggest moments of the night in Bengaluru, scoring a memorable first-half goal to put India ahead, determined defending and undefeated mentally.
Now, they are back in Kolkata, with that performance behind them and a completely different challenge ahead.
Brazil brings a different kind of occasion. For the players, it is another opportunity to test themselves against top-level opposition. For the supporters, it is one of those nights that Indian football does not get every day.
And this time, it is happening at the VYBK.
And there is an interesting Kolkata connection in this Indian squad too. From Mohun Bagan, Apuia, Anirudh Thapa, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad and Abhishek Tekcham are part of the team, while East Bengal FC have Jay Gupta, Anwar Ali and Edmund in the squad. These are not players arriving in Kolkata as travellers who are seeing the Yuba Bharati Krirangan for the occasion. They know this ground, they know the atmosphere and they know what it feels like to play in front of a packed VYBK. But this time, the colours are different. The club rivalry will stay outside, as they return to the same fortress wearing the India blue, with the international giants are waiting on.
The stands, the lights, the noise and the Indian jersey, Kolkata is preparing for another big football night. The Blue Tigers have arrived, the fans are waiting, and the next story of this international window is ready to unfold.
Brazil is next. Then comes Uruguay.
For now, though, all eyes are on October 3. Live at Sony Liv
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