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Brazil’s Kolkata Friendly Becomes a Childhood Dream Fulfilled
The writer grew up watching football with family members who loved Brazil.
As a small child, the writer remembers going to buy a Brazil shirt before the 2002 World Cup final.
Years later, the writer watched Brazil play India in Kolkata.
Brazil won the match 4-0, but the writer says being there mattered more than the score.
The crowd cheered loudly, and the writer felt emotional when everyone sang India’s national anthem.
After the game, fans cheered for India.
The writer hopes India’s team will one day play on the biggest stages in football.
The match made a childhood love of Brazil feel connected to pride in India.
The writer recalls growing up in a family that passionately supported Brazil.
On October 3, 2026, the writer watched Brazil play India at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Brazil won the international friendly 4-0, after India’s Ryan Williams won the ball from Vinícius Júnior in the first minute.
The writer describes the crowd’s energy and singing India’s national anthem as deeply moving.
After the match, a chant of “Bharat mata ki jai” inspired hope for the future of Indian football.
- Who
- The writer, Brazil’s national football team and India’s national football team.
- What
- Brazil defeated India 4-0 in an international friendly.
- Where
- Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, also known as Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata.
- When
- October 3, 2026.
- Why
- The writer attended because of a lifelong love of Brazil and football, and describes the match as a deeply meaningful experience.
Key facts
- Match
- Brazil vs India international friendly
- Result
- Brazil won 4-0
- Date
- October 3, 2026
- Venue
- Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium)
- City
- Kolkata
- Early match moment
- India forward Ryan Williams took the ball from Vinícius Júnior in the first minute.
- Brazil coach
- Carlo Ancelotti
- Historical reference
- The writer recalls Pelé playing against Mohun Bagan F.C. at the stadium 50 years earlier.
Quotes
Carlo Ancelotti
Brazil head coach
“These are good memories because I came here when I was a boy. I didn’t know I would come back here, and I didn’t know that even back then the Indian fans already had a great affection for me. I came to this competition, then the U-17 World Cup happened, and I couldn’t come. Everyone from India sent me messages. It’s an audience that follows me closely, loves football and loves Brazil, and I’m happy to be back here.”
telegraphindia.com
“The energy of the stadium and the city is unmatched. My boys have been practising on this ground, and they loved playing on it. And it’s a pleasure to play with Team India.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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