Five-time world champions Brazil arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday evening amid tight security, with police keeping fans away from the airport and roads leading to the team hotel as the Selecao began their stay ahead of Saturday’s high-profile friendly against India.
The Brazilian contingent landed at around 8.45pm and was escorted out through the VIP gate in two buses painted in the country’s trademark yellow and green. Two pilot cars led the convoy to the team hotel on the EM Bypass near Science City, while six private cars carried some of the other officials.
With security arrangements at their tightest, police did not allow supporters to gather near the airport or line the roads along the route. Only a handful of fans managed to catch a glimpse of the Brazilian players.
The touring party, comprising around 90 people, had an 11-minute window to leave the airport, while police had worked out an eight-minute window for the convoy to reach the hotel.
Security was also tightened around the team hotel, with people not connected to the Brazilian contingent kept away from the premises.
VINI GETS BIGGEST CHEERS
Inside the hotel, there was still a glimpse of the excitement surrounding Brazil’s arrival.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, wearing a yellow hat, drew the biggest cheers as chants of “Vini, Vini” echoed through the lobby. The players were seen wearing olive-green hoodies, shorts and yellow caps as they made their way inside.
Brazil, however, arrived without Barcelona star Raphinha. The forward sustained a right thigh niggle during Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia and has returned to Spain for treatment.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti and a player will attend the pre-match press conference at the team hotel on Friday morning. Brazil will then train at the Salt Lake Stadium from 4pm as they complete their preparations for the India friendly.
SPECIAL FOOD ARRANGEMENTS
The Selecao have also brought their own chef and hygiene manager to Kolkata and made special food arrangements during their stay.
Meat, cheese and even water for the team have been brought in, while the hotel has made provisions to meet Brazil’s specific requirements for food preparation and storage.
“They have a 30-minute window to prepare and consume the food. We will use only Bhetki fish for them. The rest of the meat products, mainly turkey, chicken and lamb, are all imported,” a hotel official said.
The detailed arrangements underline the planning involved in hosting one of the world’s biggest football teams, with Brazil’s staff managing the squad’s food requirements alongside its training and match preparations.
INDIA’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEST
The India-Brazil match is part of the Blue Tigers’ series of fixtures against World Cup teams, which began with the September 25 game against Panama in Bengaluru.
India will next face two-time world champions Uruguay, coached by their former star Diego Forlan, on October 6. The Blue Tigers will then travel to New Zealand for two more friendlies in November.
For Brazil, the India game will be their final match of the international break. They arrive in Kolkata after a 4-2 win over Australia.
SALT LAKE GETS A MAKEOVER
The Yuva Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium, has been given a fresh look ahead of the fixtures.
The stadium has received a fresh coat of paint, while the playing surface has been overhauled with the involvement of Brazilian turf expert Ivan Nascimento.
The venue, which hosted matches during the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, will now stage Brazil and Uruguay’s matches against India.
With the Selecao now in Kolkata, attention shifts to Friday’s press conference and training session before Brazil face India on Saturday.
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