03 October,2026 08:52 AM IST | Kolkata | Arup Chatterjee
Brazil forward Vinicius Junior (centre) during a training session on the eve of their match against India in Kolkata on Friday. Pic/AFP
Despite the afterglow of last week's spirited 1-1 draw against 2026 World Cuppers Panama in Bengaluru, the arrival of the Blue Tigers in this football-crazy city has been accompanied by a mixture of hope and dread - and certainly not in equal measure.
On Saturday, Khalid Jamil's men face five-time world champions Brazil at the Salt Lake Stadium in the second of three friendlies against World Cup-bound nations in less than a fortnight. It is World No. 138 vs World No. 5.
Can the underdogs employ the same formula of a disciplined defence, maintaining their shape while looking for opportunities on the counter? "We will be positive," was all Jamil revealed at Friday's match-eve press conference.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti indicated that the huge gulf in rankings and resources would not affect his team's approach. "They [India] played a good draw against Panama. We have respect for the quality of the Indian team," the Italian said.
Speaking about rebuilding after Brazil's shock World Cup exit in the round of 16. Ancelotti said: "It's a new cycle and we are looking for new players to join the others."
Skipper Marquinhos insisted the team had put the disappointment behind them. "It's all about now and the future. In this cycle, we will restore confidence, keep winning, tomorrow too, and not really think of the past," he said.
He also acknowledged India's passionate support for Brazil. "Outside Brazil, India is a country that has one of the biggest support and fan bases for us. Tomorrow, we hope to put up a show."
While Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli and Bruno Guimaraes are expected to set the turf alight, India have everything to gain by putting up a fight against one of football's greatest powers. For Jamil's side, it is an opportunity to test themselves at the highest level. Over to the beautiful game!
