Calcutta (India) (AFP) - Brazil, the five-time world champion, showed glimpses of its high level with a 4-0 victory over India, in an unprecedented friendly football match between the two countries in Kolkata on Saturday.

Published on: 03/10/2026 - 18:24

India's hosting of the Brazilian men's national team for the first time aroused great enthusiasm, but the players entered the Salt Lake Stadium, which has a capacity of 65,000 spectators, in front of half-full stands.

Critics blamed ticket prices for the poor attendance, despite the participation of Brazil's most prominent stars, including Real Madrid's Spanish striker Vinicius Junior and defender Marquinhos, the French captain of Paris Saint-Germain, in the squad.

The price of the cheapest tickets was 999 rupees ($10), but they sold out minutes after they were put up for sale online, while the prices of the following categories ranged between 3,500 and 25,000 rupees ($36 to 260).

India, ranked 138th in the world, seeks to raise the popularity of this sport in a country that loves cricket and has a population of 1.4 billion people.

While the men's teams in the two countries met for the first time, the women's teams previously faced off in the Brazilian city of Manaus in 2021.

Brazil imposed its control over the game, and Vinicius almost scored in the eighth minute had it not been for a brave save by India's goalkeeper and captain, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

India's offensive line launched some good attacks towards the opponent's goal, before Chelsea striker Estévao gave Brazil the lead in the 28th minute, with a quick left-foot shot that went past Gurpreet and into the net.

The goal confused India's plan and defense, before Pedro doubled the lead in the 42nd minute after beating Gurpreet again, so Brazil entered the half-time break with a two-0 lead.

Brazil's yellow shirts dominated the stands, and Carlo Ancelotti's Italian team did not disappoint with its smooth performance.

But every Indian move was vociferously cheered by the local crowd. Manvir Singh lit up the stands with a powerful shot towards the goal in the 55th minute, which was blocked by Brazil goalkeeper Pedro Moresco.

Samuel Leno came on as a substitute in the second half in place of Vinicius, and shot a powerful ball to score Brazil's third goal in the 58th minute, punishing India for its lax defence.

Brazil survived some dangerous attempts by the Indian attackers, but Moresco maintained his calm and kept the ball away from his goal, before Leno scored his second goal before the final whistle, confirming his team's superiority.

The atmosphere remained friendly between the two teams, as the players were quick to extend a helping hand to their opponents after every strong intervention.

India has never qualified for the World Cup finals, and football, despite its popularity, remains second only to cricket.

As for Brazil, which played the match after winning and drawing two friendly matches in Australia, it is seeking to rebuild its ranks after its sudden exit against Norway from the World Cup in July.

© 2026 AFP

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