Brazil Kolkata: Can the City’s Football Fever Match the Seleção’s Arrival?
Brazil Kolkata Arrival: The Seleção Touch Down
Brazil Kolkata became the centre of attention as the five-time FIFA World Cup champions arrived in the city ahead of their much-anticipated clash with India.
The Brazilian team landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Thursday evening, with reports putting their arrival at around 8:40pm. The squad was moved under tight security, with police controlling access around the airport and along the route to the team hotel.
The team travelled in Brazil-coloured buses before reaching its hotel near Science City. Despite the strict security arrangements, supporters gathered outside the hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of their football heroes.
Brazil Kolkata: Vinicius Jr, Endrick Lead the Buzz
The arrival carried plenty of star power. Vinicius Jr, Endrick, Estêvão and Marquinhos are among the headline names in the Brazilian squad, while experienced midfielder Bruno Guimarães is also part of Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
Vinicius received some of the loudest cheers from supporters following the team’s arrival, while Ancelotti’s presence added another major attraction to the visit.
However, Barcelona forward Raphinha will not feature after suffering a thigh injury during Brazil’s recent 4-2 victory over Australia. He returned to Spain and Brazil did not call up a replacement.
Brazil Kolkata: Ancelotti Wants to Give Fans a Show
The India match is also another opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti to continue experimenting with his Brazil side.
Brazil arrive in Kolkata after two friendlies against Australia. The first ended 1-1 in Townsville, before Brazil responded with a 4-2 victory in Brisbane.
Speaking ahead of the India game, Ancelotti acknowledged Kolkata’s strong connection with Brazilian football.
“We know how this region loves the national team,” Ancelotti said, adding that Brazil were happy to be in Kolkata to play against India.
The Brazilian coach also wants his team to produce the kind of entertaining football that connects with the supporters.
Brazil Kolkata Meets a City That Loves Brazil
The Brazil Kolkata story is bigger than one football match.
For decades, Brazil’s yellow jersey has been a familiar sight across Kolkata, with generations of supporters following players from Pelé and Ronaldo to Ronaldinho, Neymar and the current generation.
That long-standing connection will take on a different meaning on Saturday, when many of those fans will watch the Brazilian national team play inside Salt Lake Stadium.
Brazil captain Marquinhos also recognised the significance of the welcome.
“It’s a golden opportunity to be in India with so much support,” he said, describing the reception as a major motivation for the squad.
Brazil Kolkata: A Historic India Test Awaits
The match will be played on October 3 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm IST.
It will be the first senior men’s international meeting between India and Brazil. Brazil are ranked fifth in the FIFA men’s rankings, while India are ranked 138th, making the Seleção the highest-ranked opponent India have faced since the ranking system was introduced.
For Brazil, the match is another step in Ancelotti’s preparation and squad-building process. For India, it represents an opportunity to test themselves against one of world football’s most decorated national teams.
The Brazilian players have now arrived.
The next question is what happens when the yellow shirts walk out at Salt Lake Stadium.
