Five-time World Cup winners Brazil come to Kolkata to face India

Five-time world champions Brazil arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday night amid tight security, with police keeping fans off the airport and roads leading to the team hotel as the Selecao began their stay ahead of Saturday’s high-profile friendly against India.

The Brazilian contingent landed around 8.45pm and were escorted out through the VIP gate in two buses painted in the country’s trademark yellow and green. Two pilot cars led the convoy to the team hotel on the EM bypass near Science City, while six private cars carried some of the other officials.

Due to tight security measures, the police did not allow supporters to gather near the airport or line the roads along the route. Only a handful of fans managed to catch a glimpse of the Brazilian player.

The traveling party of about 90 people had an 11-minute window to leave the airport, while police worked out an eight-minute window for the convoy to reach the hotel.

Security was also tightened around the team hotel, with people not connected to the Brazilian contingent kept off the premises.

HER BIGGEST BLAME

The excitement surrounding the arrival of Brazil was still visible inside the hotel.

Wearing a yellow hat, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior drew the biggest cheers as chants of “Vini, Vini” echoed through the hall. The players were seen wearing olive green hoodies, shorts and yellow caps as they entered.

But Brazil arrived without Barcelona star Raphinha. The forward injured his right thigh in Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia and returned to Spain for treatment.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti and the player will attend a pre-match press conference at the team hotel on Friday morning. Brazil will then train at the Salt Lake Stadium from 16:00, where they will complete their preparations for the friendly against India.

SPECIAL MEALS

The Selecao also brought their own chef and hygiene manager to Kolkata and arranged for a special meal during their stay.

Meat, cheese and even water were brought in for the team, while the hotel took measures to meet Brazil’s specific requirements for food preparation and storage.

“They have a 30-minute window to prepare and eat the food. We will only use Bhetki fish for them. The rest of the meat products, mainly turkey, chicken and lamb, are all imported,” said a hotel official.

The detailed arrangements underline the plans to host one of the world’s biggest football teams, with Brazilian staff managing the team’s food requirements in addition to training and match preparations.

INDIA WORLD CUP TEST

The India-Brazil match is part of the Blue Tigers’ series of matches against World Cup teams, which began with the September 25 match against Panama in Bengaluru.

India will face two-time world champions Uruguay, coached by their former star Diego Forlan, on October 6. The Blue Tigers will then travel to New Zealand for two more friendlies in November. Carlo Ancelotti is honored after arriving in Kolkata. (Image: Special arrangement)

For Brazil, the match against India will be the last match of the international break. They come to Kolkata after a 4-2 win over Australia.

SALT LAKE GETS A MAKEOVER

Yuva Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as the Salt Lake Stadium, has been given a new look ahead of the matches.

The stadium received a new coat of paint, while the pitch underwent an overhaul with the involvement of Brazilian turf expert Ivan Nascimento.

The venue, which hosted matches during the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, will now host matches between Brazil and Uruguay against India.

With the Selecao now in Kolkata, the focus shifts to Friday’s press conference and training before Brazil face India on Saturday.

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