Brazil defeated India 4-0 on Saturday, Oct. 3, in a men’s international football friendly at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, according to match reports. The five-time world champions controlled the fixture before a half-full arena, with goals from Estêvão, Pedro, and a second-half brace by Samuel Lino sealing the comprehensive victory.
Brazil Unpacks 4-0 Victory Against India in Kolkata
Playing their first men’s international match against India, the visitors asserted control early despite a lively opening from the hosts. Estêvão broke the deadlock with a quick left-footed strike that slipped past India goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Pedro doubled the advantage just before halftime in the 42nd minute, latching onto a through ball from Estêvão behind the defence and poking a shot under Sandhu’s hands to send Brazil into the break with a two-goal cushion.
Carlo Ancelotti Shuffles Squad After Halftime
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti introduced a wave of substitutions at the interval, bringing on Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Magalhães, Vanderson, Samuel Lino, and Douglas Luiz, with Endrick and Martinelli entering later in the match. Samuel Lino, replacing Vinícius Júnior, punished a loose Indian defensive line in the 58th minute with a firm strike for the third goal. Lino added his second and Brazil’s fourth in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Manvir Singh Test Brazil Backline
India created intermittent threats during the contest, drawing applause from the local supporters. In the 55th minute, Manvir Singh forced a sharp save from Brazil goalkeeper Pedro Moresco with a powerful drive toward goal. Moresco maintained his composure through several nervy sequences, while Sandhu made a brave stop against Vinícius Júnior in the eighth minute to prevent an even larger deficit.
Ticket Pricing Draws Scrutiny Amid Partial Attendance
Critics pointed to ticket pricing as a primary factor behind the partially filled stands at the venue. While the cheapest tickets were priced at 999 rupees ($10 USD) and sold out within minutes online, subsequent seating tiers ranged from 3,500 to 25,000 rupees ($36 to $260 USD). Yellow Brazil jerseys dominated the stands, and the crowd offered vocal encouragement to every Indian attacking sequence.
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