The announcement of the Brazil squad for the three international friendlies in September-October has given a huge boost to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Brazil are slated to play two friendlies against Australia Down Under on September 25 and September 29 before meeting India at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti on Wednesday named a strong squad, which includes Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal) and Joao Pedro (Chelsea).
The announcement has worked as an elixir for the AIFF, which is organising the match.
“There is a 180 degrees turnaround. Thursday saw a huge demand for tickets and the first phase of ticket sales should be closed by Friday morning,” somebody who is playing a leading role in organising the match told The Telegraph on Thursday.
The person said the broadcast for the Brazil match as well as the game against Uruguay (October 6) will be top class, even though there will be no VAR because of the expenses involved.
A source said even the prospective sponsors who were initially iffy are now convinced.
“Not only the AIFF, football fans in the country must be happy that such a strong squad led by Vinicius Junior is going to play in Calcutta. Let us see how our players stand up to the world’s best. The result might be obvious, but still it will be an experience for Indian players,” AIFF deputy secretary general Muthyalu Satyanarayan said.