Following their 4–2 victory in their second consecutive friendly in Australia, record world champions Brazil travelled to India – where they struggled initially. In the end, however, the Seleção won 4–0, as expected, thanks in part to a substitute who scored a brace.
In September, the Brazilians had been in Australia and played two friendlies against the Socceroos. A 1–1 draw was followed by a 4–2 win, though Raphinha suffered swelling in his right thigh and subsequently left the country as a precaution. The Barcelona striker was therefore absent in Kolkata, but Carlo Ancelotti still fielded a formidable side, with Vinicius Junior also leading the line. The Real Madrid player was one of three players – alongside Bontempo and Danilo Santos – who had also started in the previous friendly against Australia.
The remaining eight players in the starting line-up were new. This did nothing to alter the fact that the record world champions were the overwhelming favourites in this fixture – the gulf in individual quality between the Selecao and India, a side made up largely of unknown players from the domestic league who had secured just one win from their last nine matches (2–1 against Hong Kong), was simply too great. At least they had recently drawn 1–1 with Panama. Nevertheless, one question loomed large: would it turn into a showcase match?
Vinicius Junior making attempts to break through
The initial answer was: no. Although Brazil were superior from the outset, applying high pressure thanks to an early press and gaining clear territorial advantage, they struggled in the final third. In particular, their short passing game was virtually non-existent there, partly because they lacked pace at times. As a result, the Seleção were often forced to resort to long balls – and it was in this way that they created the first real chance of the match: Vinicius Junior was sent through on the left by Douglas Santos, then cut inside in his typical style and struck a powerful right-footed shot from around 14 metres out on the left-hand side of the box. Sandhu threw his arms up and made the save at the near post (8).
Otherwise, however, the heavy favourites didn’t achieve much; they failed to capitalise on their superiority against a valiant Indian side. The hosts, meanwhile, were virtually non-existent in attack. It was Estevao who finally broke the deadlock with a superb 16-metre shot under the crossbar, putting the Brazilians on course for victory (28′). Although Pedro was unlucky to hit the post shortly afterwards (35′), he ultimately made it 2–0 at half-time following a fine through ball from Estevao. There was an element of luck involved, however, as Sandhu had got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out (42′).
Ancelotti brought on five new players at the restart: Gabriel, Douglas Luiz, Vanderson, Samuel Lino and Bruno Guimaraes, who replaced Douglas Santos, Bontempo, Matheuzinho, Danilo Santos and Vinicius Junior. This did absolutely nothing to alter the balance of play. Brazil kept up the pressure and extended their lead: Pedro, with lightning speed, flicked an intercepted ball with his heel into the channel for Samuel Lino. The latter made no mistake, skilfully finishing with his right foot from 11 metres out on the left into the far corner (58′). Shortly before the final whistle, the 26-year-old completed his brace with a crisp shot into the near corner, sealing the 4–0 final score (90+5).
India will face another South American heavyweight on Tuesday (4.00 pm), when they take on the two-time world champions, Uruguay. Meanwhile, this campaign is over for the Brazilians; they won’t be back in action for just over a month, with the Selecao travelling to Japan on Saturday 14 November (11.15 am).
