Despite an encouraging start from India, South American giants Brazil proved too clinical in a 4-0 victory at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.
Brazil's attacking power proved decisive as the South American giant recorded a 4-0 victory over India in an international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Khalid Jamil's Indian side showed early promise and held its shape through the first 25 minutes. Apuia took an early shot off target in the seventh minute, and in the 15th minute, Bijoy Varghese played a long ball to put Manvir Singh through on goal, but Brazil captain Marquinhos tracked back to make a timely tackle.
At the other end, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior created early trouble, but Indian right-back Abhishek Singh stood tall to deny his first two attempts before captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved his third effort and blocked another in the 20th minute. However, Brazil broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Estevao cut in from the right and unleashed a left-footed strike that deflected off Gurpreet's hand into the net. Pedro extended the lead in the 42nd minute with an angled drive that crossed the line after Gurpreet spilled the ball.
Brazil made five changes at half-time without dropping intensity. Samuel Lino, who replaced Vinicius Junior at the break, scored twice in the second half (58th minute and 90+5 minute) to wrap up a dominant win for the visitors.
With both teams agreeing to a maximum of 11 substitutions, the majority of the Indian squad gained valuable exposure playing against top-tier international talent, while Brazilian goalkeeper Pedro Morisco spent a largely quiet evening at the other end.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.