India set for historic Brazil clash
For generations, Brazil have lived in India’s football imagination -- much like they have in Bangladesh -- but today, the distance between dream and reality will finally disappear for Indian fans. India will face the five-time world champions for the first time at senior level, turning years of admiration into a historic contest at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
The occasion was symbolised on Friday when Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and his Indian counterpart Khalid Jamil shared the same podium, exchanging a warm embrace and words of goodwill. For a moment, the gulf between their footballing worlds seemed to vanish.
But come kick-off (at 8:00pm Bangladesh Time), Jamil’s India will look to set aside the admiration and prove themselves worthy opponents -- because even a spirited showing, regardless of the result, would add another memorable chapter to Indian football history.
Here are some interesting facts to know before the game:
** Brazil are fifth in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, while India are 138th. The Selecao will be the highest-ranked opponents India have faced since the official ranking was introduced in August 1993. ** Brazil will become only the third CONMEBOL nation India have faced, after Peru and Uruguay, and this will be their fourth match against South American opposition. India lost the previous three, scoring twice and conceding nine. Their last such encounter was a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in 2001. ** India, however, enter the occasion with a result that offers belief and a tactical reference point. Their 1-1 draw with 44th-ranked Panama last Friday was the first time they had avoided defeat against a top-50 side. ** Brazil come into the contest on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw and a 4-2 comeback victory over Australia last month.
Cricket is part of their culture; football is not the most important game. But that doesn't mean they don't love football. We are happy to be here and show our quality…it will be a fantastic night.
Pressure will be there, but we have to handle that and take responsibility. If you give your best, anything can happen.
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