Five-time world champions Brazil meet 138th-ranked India under Kolkata’s floodlights, and football’s most lopsided romance finally gets its first date. Brazil arrive at Salt Lake Stadium for a maiden senior meeting with India, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. IST, while the City of Joy already hums to a samba beat. The question buzzing around Bengal is simple: will Vinicius Junior spearhead the Selecao attack from the first whistle, or will Carlo Ancelotti hold his Real Madrid star in reserve?
Brazil Team News
Brazil reach Kolkata after an Australian double-header that brought one draw and a 4-2 win in Brisbane, with Vanderson, Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius on target. Ancelotti, who has won 11 of his 19 games in charge, named a 26-man squad retaining only nine World Cup veterans.
Casemiro, Alisson and Ederson are among the absentees. The Italian framed the fixture as an opportunity rather than a test. Joao Pedro and Wesley are unavailable through injury, and Gabriel Martinelli replaced the former.
Raphinha Ruled Out Of India vs Brazil Football Friendly
The biggest blow is the absence of Raphinha. The Barcelona forward converted a penalty, ending an international goal drought of more than 500 days, before leaving at half-time against Australia with swelling in his right thigh. Endrick replaced him.
The Brazilian confederation diagnosed muscular oedema and sent him back to Barcelona, who face Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid within a month. Ancelotti called up no replacement, handing extra responsibility to Vinicius, who also scored from the spot in Brisbane despite managing one club goal in eight Madrid outings.
Brazil Predicted XI vs India
Brazil Lineup: Morisco; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo; Rayan, Gabriel Bontempo, Vinicius Junior; Endrick.
Vitor Reis, Martinelli, Andrey Santos and Estevao are also possible starters. Hugo Souza and Otavio started in Australia, so Morisco gets the third audition. India, held 1-1 by Panama in Bengaluru, are expected to retain their 4-4-2 under Khalid Jamil.
