Title: Brazil Arrive in Kolkata for Historic First-Ever Friendly Against India Today
The five-time world champions Brazil have landed in Kolkata ahead of their historic international friendly against India on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium — the first time the senior men's national teams of the two countries will meet, and the first time Brazil's senior side will play on Indian soil.
The star-studded squad, led by striker Vinicius Jr and head coach Carlo Ancelotti, arrived under heavy security, with police keeping fans away from the airport and the hotel route. The players were escorted through VIP gates to two buses painted in Brazil's yellow and green, accompanied by pilot cars, to their hotel on the EM Bypass near Science City. Inside the premises, Vinicius Jr and Ancelotti drew the loudest cheers, while Marquinhos, Endrick and Gabriel were also part of the travelling group.
Preparations and missing faces
One notable absence is Barcelona forward Raphinha, who missed the tour with a right thigh niggle sustained during Brazil's 4-2 win over Australia and has returned to Spain for treatment. Brazil arrive in India after two friendlies in Australia, where they drew the first 1-1 before winning the second 4-2. Ancelotti and one player were scheduled to address a pre-match press conference on Friday morning, with the squad training at the Salt Lake Stadium from 4 pm.
Brazil brought their own chef and hygiene manager for the stay, with special food arrangements — including meat, cheese and even water — made for the team, according to PTI.
A landmark occasion for Indian football
The fixture, scheduled to kick off at 3 pm, is one of the biggest matches India have ever played. Brazil are currently ranked fifth in the world, while India sit at 138th — the highest-ranked opposition India have faced since the FIFA ranking was introduced in 1992. The match follows the Blue Tigers' 1-1 draw against Panama in Bengaluru on September 25, and is part of a series of high-profile fixtures against World Cup teams. After Brazil, India face two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6, before travelling to New Zealand for two friendlies in November.
Sources: Times Now — "Vinicius Jr, Carlo Ancelotti Receive Hero Welcome As Brazil Arrive In Kolkata For Historic Friendly" (timesnownews.com)
Sources: Hindustan Times — "Brazil touch down in Kolkata, Vinicius Jr leads star-studded arrival ahead of unprecedented India clash" (hindustantimes.com)
Sources: Free Press Journal — "Vinicius Jr, Marquinhos and Other Brazil Stars Arrive In Kolkata For Historic Friendly Against India" (freepressjournal.in)
The five-time world champions Brazil have landed in Kolkata ahead of their historic international friendly against India on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium — the first time the senior men's national teams of the two countries will meet, and the first time Brazil's senior side will play on Indian soil.
The star-studded squad, led by striker Vinicius Jr and head coach Carlo Ancelotti, arrived under heavy security, with police keeping fans away from the airport and the hotel route. The players were escorted through VIP gates to two buses painted in Brazil's yellow and green, accompanied by pilot cars, to their hotel on the EM Bypass near Science City. Inside the premises, Vinicius Jr and Ancelotti drew the loudest cheers, while Marquinhos, Endrick and Gabriel were also part of the travelling group.
Preparations and missing faces
One notable absence is Barcelona forward Raphinha, who missed the tour with a right thigh niggle sustained during Brazil's 4-2 win over Australia and has returned to Spain for treatment. Brazil arrive in India after two friendlies in Australia, where they drew the first 1-1 before winning the second 4-2. Ancelotti and one player were scheduled to address a pre-match press conference on Friday morning, with the squad training at the Salt Lake Stadium from 4 pm.
Brazil brought their own chef and hygiene manager for the stay, with special food arrangements — including meat, cheese and even water — made for the team, according to PTI.
A landmark occasion for Indian football
The fixture, scheduled to kick off at 3 pm, is one of the biggest matches India have ever played. Brazil are currently ranked fifth in the world, while India sit at 138th — the highest-ranked opposition India have faced since the FIFA ranking was introduced in 1992. The match follows the Blue Tigers' 1-1 draw against Panama in Bengaluru on September 25, and is part of a series of high-profile fixtures against World Cup teams. After Brazil, India face two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6, before travelling to New Zealand for two friendlies in November.
Sources: Times Now — "Vinicius Jr, Carlo Ancelotti Receive Hero Welcome As Brazil Arrive In Kolkata For Historic Friendly" (timesnownews.com)
Sources: Hindustan Times — "Brazil touch down in Kolkata, Vinicius Jr leads star-studded arrival ahead of unprecedented India clash" (hindustantimes.com)
Sources: Free Press Journal — "Vinicius Jr, Marquinhos and Other Brazil Stars Arrive In Kolkata For Historic Friendly Against India" (freepressjournal.in)
