The Indian football team suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Brazil in a historic
FIFA international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. Estevao Willian opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Pedro doubled Brazil’s advantage just before half-time. Samuel Lino then scored twice after the break, in the 58th and 95th minutes, to complete a convincing victory for the world No. 5 side.
The match marked the first-ever senior men’s international meeting between India and Brazil. Brazil, popularly known as the Canarinho, or Little Canary, because of their famous yellow shirts, entered the contest as heavy favourites. The South American giants were ranked 133 places above India, but the Blue Tigers produced a disciplined performance during much of the first half.
India stayed organised without the ball and looked for opportunities to attack on the counter. Manvir Singh came close to creating an opening in the 15th minute when he made a run behind the Brazilian defence. However, experienced defender Marquinhos recovered quickly and ended the threat.
Brazil also created danger at the other end, with Vinicius Junior proving to be their main attacking outlet early in the game. The Real Madrid forward tested India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu twice, but the Indian captain stood firm to keep the visitors from scoring during the opening 27 minutes.
Estevao Breaks India’s Resistance
Brazil finally found the breakthrough in the 28th minute. Estevao Willian moved inside from the right before striking a powerful left-footed shot towards goal. Gurpreet managed to get a hand to the effort but could not prevent it from finding the net.
Pedro came close to adding another goal eight minutes later when his effort hit the woodwork. However, the Brazilian forward did not have to wait long for his second chance.
Three minutes before half-time, Estevao produced another important contribution by playing a precise through ball for Pedro. The striker made no mistake with the finish, giving Brazil a 2-0 lead at the interval.
India Show More Attacking Intent
India made three substitutions during the break. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill replaced Gurpreet in goal to make his senior international debut, while Mohammed Sanan and Jay Gupta also entered the game.
Brazil also made several changes, including taking Vinicius Junior off the pitch.
The Blue Tigers began the second half with greater attacking ambition. Ryan Williams forced Brazilian goalkeeper Pedro Morisco into action with a low attempt, while Manvir later tested the goalkeeper again from a difficult angle.
Brazil, however, extended their lead in the 58th minute after India lost possession while attempting to build an attack from the back. Samuel Lino reacted quickly, took advantage of the mistake and curled the ball beyond Gill to make it 3-0.
Despite the deficit, India continued searching for a goal. Williams came close in the 64th minute when his effort was cleared off the line. He threatened again three minutes later after combining well with Manvir, but Brazil managed to keep their clean sheet intact.
Lino Completes Brazil’s Victory
Brazil controlled possession for much of the final stages and limited India’s opportunities. Gill also produced an important save during stoppage time to prevent Vanderson from adding another goal.
India’s resistance finally ended with almost the last kick of the match. Lino found the net again in the fifth minute of added time to score his second goal and seal Brazil’s 4-0 win.
The defeat came eight days after India earned an impressive 1-1 draw against world No. 44 Panama in Bengaluru.
Khalid Jamil’s Blue Tigers will now look to finish the international window on a positive note when they face two-time world champions Uruguay in Kolkata on Tuesday.
