Brazil’s 4-0 win exposes gap after India’s spirited start in Kolkata

Brazil defeated India 4-0 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata after India made a spirited start but could not sustain its intensity against the visitors. The official attendance was 51,402. The stadium grew louder before kick-off, although visible empty sections remained and there was no public breakdown of how many spectators had bought tickets or entered through other arrangements.

India began with a high, compact defensive line that repeatedly disrupted Brazil’s attacks. Vinicius Junior was caught offside several times as India’s defenders deliberately held their position. Brazil were eventually flagged offside 10 times, compared with once for India.

Bijoy Varghese and Anwar Ali helped organise the backline, while goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu provided experience. Sahal Abdul Samad also offered India an outlet through his close control and ability to escape pressure. India were competing rather than simply defending deep during the opening phase.

Brazil changed the direction of their attacks and found an opening on the opposite side. Estvo’s low shot beat Gurpreet in the 28th minute after Ashique Kuruniyan was unable to close him down quickly. Pedro then doubled Brazil’s lead in the 42nd minute.

India faced another setback before half-time when Gurpreet misjudged a ball that ricocheted off his knee. Bijoy Varghese cleared the danger, preventing Brazil from adding a third before the interval. Gurpreet was replaced by Prabhsukhan Gill for the second half.

Brazil extended their advantage in the 58th minute after Tekcham Singh’s mistake allowed a quick combination to release Samuel Lino. Brazil finished with 65% possession and 21 shots, compared with India’s seven. Ryan Williams continued to run at the Brazilian defence and produced one of India’s strongest attacking moments, but the final result was a 4-0 Brazil victory.