The result was expected, but India showed fight during their 4-0 defeat to Brazil at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and left Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti impressed.
India fought hard for the first 27 minutes and kept Brazil at bay through solid defence before Estevao broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Pedro then made it 2-0 at half-time, while Samuel Lino scored twice after half-time to seal an impressive win.
While a 4-0 defeat looks big on paper, it was a respectable result given the sheer difference in quality between the teams. Earlier, India had also played out a 1-1 draw against 44th ranked Panama, showing that their football team is progessing in the right direction.
“To open the score was difficult. But after we scored with Estevao, we had more opportunity to control the game better,” Ancelotti said after the match.
“They defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think they played a good game,” he said.
Brazil kept a clean sheet, but Ancelotti felt that his team could have defended better, but then there were changes in the backline, with a defenders playing for the first time.
“We defended well. We could have defended better. It was a new defence that never played together, so it could be that not everything was perfect,” he said.
Ancelotti also praised the fans in Kolkata who turned out in large numbers to watch the match.
“We are happy to be here. We try to do our best. We try to show to all the people that love Brazil and love football, to show our best quality. And I hope they enjoy the night,” he said.
Khalid Jamil Defends Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Meanwhile, India coach Khalid Jamil extended support for goalkeeper and captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who was replaced in at half-time after India conceded two goals. He was involved in build of both goals, however, Jameel refused to blame him for the defeat.
“It’s not because of Gurpreet, he’s one of the finest goalkeepers of the country. The defender didn’t close down, then the ball moved from there as well. So overall, everybody’s mistake,” Jamil said.
Jamil didn’t confirm if he will start against Uruguay on October 6, but added that he is in the plans of the team.
“Maybe Som (Kumar) will play, maybe Albino (Gomes), anyone. Depending on the situation. But Gurpreet, definitely he will be back,” he said.