1 hr ago
Marquinhos Calls India Friendly Golden Opportunity for Brazil’s New Cycle
Brazil’s football team is visiting India to play a friendly match.
Brazil’s defender Marquinhos said the game is a very valuable chance for the team.
Brazil wants to become confident again after a disappointing 2026 World Cup.
The team also likes that many people in India support Brazil.
Marquinhos said the players will use the fans’ excitement as motivation.
Brazil has studied India’s recent games before the match.
India’s goalkeeper and captain, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, is expected to play his 90th international game.
Brazil says it will treat the match seriously even though it is called a friendly.
Brazil will face India in a FIFA international friendly on Saturday, with India ranked 138th in the world.
Marquinhos described the match as a “golden opportunity” for Brazil to gain experience and rebuild confidence.
He said India is one of Brazil’s biggest fan bases outside Brazil and praised the welcome received by the team.
Brazil has analyzed India’s recent matches, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is set to earn his 90th international appearance.
Brazil considers every match important and plans to use the game to prepare for its new post-World Cup cycle.
- Who
- Brazil, led in the discussion by defender Marquinhos, will play India, whose captain and goalkeeper is Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
- What
- The teams will meet in a FIFA international friendly.
- Where
- The match will take place in India, during Brazil’s first visit to the country.
- When
- The match is scheduled for Saturday; Marquinhos spoke on the eve of the match.
- Why
- Brazil is using the game to gain experience, restore confidence and begin a new cycle after its 2026 World Cup exit.
Key facts
- Match
- Brazil vs India in a FIFA international friendly
- India’s world ranking
- 138th
- Brazil’s recent World Cup status
- Eliminated by Norway in the pre-quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup
- Brazil’s rebuilding goal
- Restore confidence, win matches and prepare for future events
- India’s 2026 record
- One win, two draws and three defeats in six matches
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
- Set to make his 90th international appearance
- Brazil’s view of friendlies
- Every match is considered an important opportunity, not merely a friendly
Quotes
Marquinhos
Brazilian centre-back and national-team player
“This is the 90th game for their goalie Gurpreet, which is extremely impressive. I don’t really think I need to give the Indian squad any advice. They are extremely professional. This is a shared lifelong dream for the Indian and Brazilian teams. Eventually, both have the same thinking.”
CNBC TV 18
“It’s a golden opportunity to be in India, with so much support. It’s a very big motivation. Outside Brazil, India is probably one of the countries where there is the biggest support and fan base for the entire squad. So, it’s a pleasure for all of us to be here.”
CNBC TV 18
rediff.com
Sources
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