For generations, Brazil have lived in India’s football imagination — much like they have in Bangladesh — but today, the distance between dream and reality will finally disappear for Indian fans. India will face the five-time world champions for the first time at senior level, turning years of admiration into a historic contest at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
The occasion was symbolised on Friday when Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and his Indian counterpart Khalid Jamil shared the same podium, exchanging a warm embrace and words of goodwill. For a moment, the gulf between their footballing worlds seemed to vanish.
But come kick-off (at 8:00pm Bangladesh Time), Jamil’s India will look to set aside the admiration and prove themselves worthy opponents — because even a spirited showing, regardless of the result, would add another memorable chapter to Indian football history.
