Five-time world champions Brazil have arrived in Kolkata ahead of their much-anticipated friendly against India on October 3. The Brazilian football team’s arrival in Kolkata on Thursday night was accompanied by tight security, with police preventing supporters from gathering near the airport or lining the route to the team hotel. The Selecao were escorted directly to their accommodation amid heightened security arrangements.

Despite the restrictions around the airport, the Brazilian squad received a warm reception at the hotel. Vinicius Jr and head coach Carlo Ancelotti were among the biggest attractions, while players including Marquinhos, Endrick and Gabriel were also seen entering the hotel. The arrival has added to the excitement surrounding a rare India-Brazil football meeting in Kolkata.

Five-time world champions Brazil have arrived in Kolkata ahead of their much-anticipated friendly against India on October 3. (AFP)
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Five-time world champions Brazil have arrived in Kolkata ahead of their much-anticipated friendly against India on October 3. (AFP)

Brazil football team’s Kolkata arrival draws loud cheers

The Brazilian squad’s arrival in Kolkata took place late on Thursday, with the squad travelling under heavy police protection from the airport. Authorities did not allow fans to gather along the route, a measure aimed at managing crowds and maintaining security around the visiting team.

The restrictions, however, did little to dampen the excitement surrounding Brazil’s visit. Once the players reached their hotel, supporters welcomed them with loud cheers. Vinicius Jr, one of the biggest names in the squad, attracted considerable attention, while Ancelotti also received a strong response from those waiting outside.

The Indian Football social media account welcomed the Selecao to Kolkata with messages in Portuguese, Bengali and English. The visit has generated significant interest among football fans in a city known for its strong following of the sport.

Ancelotti and one player from the squad will attend the pre-match press conference at the team hotel on Friday morning. Brazil are scheduled to train at the Salt Lake Stadium from 4pm.

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The Brazil football team's stay in Kolkata has involved detailed arrangements to meet the squad’s food and hygiene requirements. (AFP)
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The Brazil football team’s stay in Kolkata has involved detailed arrangements to meet the squad’s food and hygiene requirements. (AFP)

Special arrangements made for Brazil squad

The Brazilian squad’s stay in Kolkata has involved detailed arrangements to meet the squad’s food and hygiene requirements. According to PTI, Brazil have brought their own chef and hygiene manager to the city.

The team has also made special arrangements involving food and essential supplies. Meat, cheese and water have reportedly been brought in for the squad, while the hotel has made provisions for preparing and storing food according to the team’s requirements.

Such arrangements are common for international teams travelling for matches, particularly when squads have specific dietary and hygiene protocols. Brazil’s support staff will oversee these requirements during the team’s stay in Kolkata.

There is also considerable attention on the squad because Barcelona winger Raphinha is not part of the travelling group. The 29-year-old left the national team on Wednesday after a scan detected what the Brazilian Football Confederation described as a small muscle oedema in his right thigh.

Raphinha had been substituted at half-time during Brazil’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia on Tuesday. His withdrawal means Indian football fans will not get to see one of Brazil’s prominent attacking players during the Kolkata fixture.

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Ancelotti and one player from the squad will attend the pre-match press conference at the team hotel on Friday morning. Brazil are scheduled to train at the Salt Lake Stadium from 4pm. (AFP)
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Ancelotti and one player from the squad will attend the pre-match press conference at the team hotel on Friday morning. Brazil are scheduled to train at the Salt Lake Stadium from 4pm. (AFP)

India prepares for major football test

The arrival of the Brazilian squad’s Kolkata contingent sets the stage for Saturday’s encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium. The match is part of India’s series of fixtures against teams that have qualified as major forces in international football.

India began the series with a September 25 fixture against Panama in Bengaluru. The national side will then face Uruguay on October 6, before travelling to New Zealand for two more friendlies in November.

For India, the Brazil match represents an opportunity to face a side with an extensive World Cup pedigree and a squad featuring several established international names. For Brazil, the fixture forms part of their preparation and international schedule.

The Salt Lake Stadium is expected to be the centre of attention when the two sides meet on Saturday. With Ancelotti leading Brazil and Vinicius Jr among the headline names, anticipation has been building across Kolkata ahead of the match.

The Brazilian squad’s Kolkata visit has also brought renewed focus to the city’s football culture, with supporters eager to see the five-time world champions in action. The final training session and Friday’s press conference will provide the first major opportunities to hear from the Brazilian camp before the much-awaited India clash.