‘We struggled to open the scoring’: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti praises India after 4-0 friendly win in Kolkata

Carlo Ancelotti (PTI Photo) Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti praised India’s effort and defensive organization despite Brazil thrashing the hosts 4-0 in an international friendly in Kolkata on Saturday, October 3. He said India remained organised, defended well and tried to attack on the counter, making the game a useful test for both sides.India managed to stay competitive for the first 25 minutes before Brazil gradually took control of the match. Once Estevao opened the scoring, Brazil created more chances and eventually secured a comfortable victory.“They tried to play their game. They defended, they were organized, they tried to counter-attack. I think they played a good game. We had difficulties to open the score, but the moment we opened the score with Estevaem, we had more opportunities to control the game better,” Ancelotti said in the post-match press conference.He also felt the match was valuable for Brazil, especially for players looking to prove themselves.“It was a good experience. We gave the players a minute that maybe was good for them to have a test. I think it was a good game, fun, with good intensity,” added Ancelotti.

Brazil dominated the numbers

Brazil clearly controlled possession, retaining 65.8% of the ball compared to India’s 34.2%. The visitors also had 20 shots, with seven on target, while India managed nine attempts and three on target.Brazil had 29 attacking touches inside India’s penalty area compared to India’s 12. Their passing was also much more efficient, with 90.3% accuracy from 652 passes, while India completed 83.6% of their 330 passes.India made 23 clearances and six tackles, which shows how much defensive work they had to do. Meanwhile, Brazil recorded 14 disposals and 13 saves.Despite the heavy defeat, Ancelotti saw the match as more than just the final score. The friendly also gave him an opportunity to rate some of Brazil’s emerging players against an organized Indian side.