Brazil received a warm welcome from fans in Kolkata ahead of Saturday’s friendly with India, and manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to showcase an entertaining game for the supporters that matches the festive occasion.
Brazil and their rivals Argentina both have large dedicated fanbases in the soccer-mad East Indian city, where the fans’ love for the flamboyant brilliance of South American football goes back decades.
Entire neighbourhoods are draped in Brazil and Argentina colours during the World Cup, and the Salt Lake Stadium had sold-out crowds of more than 60,000 when Argentina played a friendly here in 2011, and Brazil competed in the U-17 World Cup six years later.
“We know how this region loves the national team… we are happy to be here to play against India,” Ancelotti told reporters on Friday, a day after throngs of fans welcomed the team at the airport.
“All these games… are good preparation and a good opportunity to show what we can do.”
“I would like the players to enjoy themselves, to play with happiness in every game. You want to play with joy.”
