Brazil thrash India 4-0 in historic Kolkata football friendly

Four goals each in their last two friendlies. Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil finally put on the show they were expected to on the road to Australia and on Saturday against India in Kolkata.

The Blue Tigers were not humiliated, although the 4-0 scoreline may suggest otherwise. The hosts began brightly, created a couple of chances which could have and maybe should have gone in, while at the other end, a couple of defensive errors, mainly due to lapses in concentration, cost them dearly.

It was a friendly and truth be told, the Selecao were playing in second gear, the hot and humid conditions in India’s eastern metropolis quite energy-sapping. The stars all lined up as promised, Vinicius Junior, Marquinhos and Estevao began the match before the likes of Bruno Guimares and Endrick took to the field to the joy of the 35,000-odd fans.

Prior to the match, Brazil coach Ancelotti had spoken about the danger of India’s Australian-born player Ryan Williams, but it was striker Manvir Singh who posed whatever little threat the hosts could conjure up front. Marquinhos had also mentioned India goalie Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who unfortunately wasn’t at his decisive best on the day.

While India's forward line had a few good runs at the opposition goal, Chelsea striker Estevao put Brazil ahead in the 28th minute with a quick left-foot shot that beat Gurpreet.

The goal rattled India's strategy and defence as Pedro doubled the lead in the 42nd minute.

"These (young) players played extremely well. They have improved on a day-to-day basis, starting from Australia to coming here," Ancelotti said on his team's up and coming talent.

"They had an opportunity to showcase all of their qualities. They have done well and shown their talent even in difficult moments."

Brazil's yellow jerseys dominated the stands and Ancelotti's team did not disappoint with their smooth play.

Every Indian move was cheered by a raucous home crowd and Manvir raised the volume when his powerful strike in the 55th minute drew a fine save.

Samuel Lino came off the bench in the second half in place of Vinicius and drilled in a third for Brazil in the 58th minute to make India pay for sloppy defending.

"Two or three goals were very soft due to individual errors. Our concentration was lacking at times," India coach Khalid Jamil told reporters.

"But players had belief and that is why they tried to play well. They should continue like this. Mentally we have to be strong."

"There was pressure, no doubt, on playing a champion side and we could not hide that," Jamil added.

Lino scored his second just before the final whistle to make it 4-0.

India next take on Uruguay on Tuesday and with the South American side camped in the city long before Brazil arrived, the hosts will have a bigger task on their hands against Diego Forlan’s men.