When Brazil came to India for an international friendly, no one expected the hosts to win. there were a few moments that did make fans believe that there was hope While there weren’t any goals for Indians to celebrate. One of those moments was Indian midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad nutmegging Douglas Santon. The moment arguably was the highlight of the game, as far as the Indian side is concerned. It soon became the most-talked-about episode from Team India’s perspective, with videos being cut and shared on Instagram, X and other platforms.
The result was expected as Brazil secured a 4-0 triumph.
“We had difficulty opening the score, but the moment we opened the score with Estevao, we had more opportunities to better control the game. But for Ancelotti, the match was beyond those numbers or the eventual result, and for him, it was a chance to assess some new-generation Brazilian players. The wide gulf between the teams was evident as Brazil enjoyed 65.8 per cent of possession against India’s 34.2 per cent of ball time. The South Americans had 20 attempts to score against India’s nine, and registered seven on target while India managed three. India on the other hand made 23 clearances and six tackles, while Brazil made 14 clearances and 13 tackles.
“It was a good experience. We gave a minute to the players that maybe was good for them to have a test. I think it was a good game, entertaining, with good intensity. India did its part to try to defend, play counter-attack,” he added.
“They tried to play their game. They defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. As Indians reflect on the 0-4 loss against Brazil, some words of encouragement came from the touring team’s coach Carlo Ancelotti, who lauded the hosts for the effort they showed on the field. I think they played a good game,” the 67-year-old celebrated coach said after the match.
