Lino, Estevao shine as Brazil beat India 4-0 in historic Kolkata friendly
Kolkata: Brazil secured a commanding 4-0 win over India at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, as Estevao and Samuel Lino scored twice each in the historic first senior international meeting between the two sides.
India began positively and prevented Brazil from finding their rhythm in the opening stages. However, the five-time world champions gradually took control and scored twice before half-time.
Estevao opened the scoring in the 28th minute with an impressive individual effort. The winger moved into the penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot towards the near post. India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu got a hand to the effort but could not keep it out.
Brazil doubled their lead three minutes before the break. Estevao again played a key role, finding Pedro with a pass behind the Indian defence. Pedro tried to finish from a tight angle, and although Gurpreet appeared to have the shot covered, the ball went through his grasp and crossed the line.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti made five changes at half-time, bringing on Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes, Vanderson, Samuel Lino and Douglas Luiz. The substitutions did little to alter Brazil's control as they continued to dominate the contest.
The visitors added a third in the 58th minute after India lost possession in a dangerous area. Brazil quickly exploited the space on the left, with Lino receiving the ball inside the box before calmly finding the far corner.
Lino completed his brace deep into stoppage time, adding a fourth goal and sealing a comprehensive victory for Brazil.
The match marked Brazil's first appearance in India with their senior men's national team and added another chapter to the country's long football association with the South American giants.
Ranked fifth in the FIFA Men's World Rankings, Brazil were the highest-ranked opposition India had faced since the ranking system was introduced. India are currently 138th.
The Blue Tigers had entered the match after a 1-1 draw against 44th-ranked Panama, their first unbeaten result against a top-50 side.
With IANS inputs