The five-time world champions face India, ranked 138th in the world, in a much-anticipated friendly on Saturday. They were eliminated by Norway in the pre-quarterfinals, while India will be seeking to test themselves against one of the most decorated teams in international football. Yet to win the global showpiece since 2002, Brazil are looking to rebuild after their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
Brazil star centre-back Marquinhos is well aware of the Selecao’s huge following in India and described their FIFA international friendly against the Blue Tigers as a “golden opportunity” to gain valuable experience before embarking on a new cycle.
“It’s a great opportunity to come here to a country like India.
It’s a great opportunity for us to play a great game and, of course, to win,” said Marquinhos, a Copa America winner and Olympic gold medallist with Brazil, on the eve of the match.
The UEFA Champions League-winning PSG defender said Brazil have been closely following the Indian team and noted the significance of the occasion for captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who is set to make his 90th international appearance.
“I’ve been part of the team for so long, but for the new players as well, it’s important to receive this welcome, whether in training or during the game. It’s a great motivation for the team to do well and ensure Brazil stays at the top after the World Cup. “India have played around six matches this year. Every match, even without a victory, has its own story and important moments. Brazil have analysed the Indian team closely, of course, to get the best result from the game. “This is the 90th game for their goalkeeper Gurpreet, which is extremely impressive. I don’t think I need to give the Indian squad any advice. They are extremely professional. This is a shared dream for both the Indian and Brazilian teams. Ultimately, both teams have the same mindset. “I look forward to every match as if it were my first or my last. For the Brazilian team, we carry a great legacy and a great responsibility every time we wear the jersey. “Preparation is part of the path forward. A game like this, where we have a lot of new players, can bring great momentum to the entire squad. There is a lot of enthusiasm and sharing among the players, and that creates great synergy within the team,” he concluded.
Brazil are using the India match as part of their preparations for a new cycle following their World Cup disappointment, but Marquinhos said the squad does not want to dwell on the past.
