Kolkata, Oct 3: India put up a spirited fight against five-time world champions Brazil but eventually went down 4-0 in their historic international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.
Estêvão (28’) and Pedro (42’) scored in the first half before substitute Samuel Lino (58’, 90+5’) struck twice after the break as Brazil gradually took control of the contest. Despite the defeat, India showed attacking intent and made Brazil work hard during several stages of the match.
India started with a compact defensive structure and frustrated Brazil’s attempts to play through the centre during the opening 25 minutes. Vinícius Júnior came close to opening the scoring in the eighth minute after cutting in from the left, but India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a good save.
India responded six minutes later when Manvir Singh picked up a loose ball on the left and drove into the Brazilian penalty area, but the attack was crowded out by the visiting defence.
Brazil eventually broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Estêvão received the ball near the edge of the penalty area, advanced towards goal and fired a left-footed shot towards the near post. Sandhu got a hand to the effort but could not prevent it from finding the net.
Estêvão almost turned provider in the 36th minute when his cross found Pedro, whose header struck the right post. The Brazilian pair combined again six minutes later, with Estêvão playing a through ball behind the Indian defence. Pedro timed his run well and finished past Sandhu to double Brazil’s advantage.
Brazil made five changes at half-time, while India introduced Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Jay Gupta and Mohammed Sanan. The changes gave India renewed energy, with Ryan Williams testing Brazil goalkeeper Morisco from distance in the 53rd minute. Two minutes later, Manvir also forced a save with an effort from a tight angle.
Brazil restored their control in the 58th minute after India lost possession while attempting to play out from the back. Samuel Lino collected the ball near the box, created space and curled his effort beyond Gill to make it 3-0.
India continued to search for a goal. Williams broke into the area in the 64th minute, but Mauro Júnior produced an important block. Moments later, Williams and Manvir combined again, with Williams receiving the return pass before sending his first-time volley wide.
India remained positive despite the deficit and continued to push forward. Gill made a sharp save in the additional time to deny Vanderson, but Brazil had the final say.
Lino completed his brace deep into stoppage time, cutting inside before firing a low shot towards the near post that went through Gill’s hands to complete a 4-0 victory.
The final whistle brought an end to India’s first senior men’s international meeting with Brazil. While Brazil’s quality ultimately proved decisive, India showed enough resilience and attacking intent to remain competitive for significant periods of the match.
