New Delhi: India are set for a rare footballing spectacle on October 3, with Brazil bringing a formidable 26-member squad for their senior men’s international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The five-time world champions have included some of their biggest names for the India fixture, with Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Endrick and Bruno Guimaraes among the prominent players selected by head Coach Carlo Ancelotti. The squad also features three Ballon d’Or nominees.
Brazil will first take on Australia on September 25 and 29 before travelling to Kolkata for the October 3 encounter.
Ancelotti has plenty of attacking options at his disposal. Alongside Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and Endrick, the forward line includes Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Rayan and Samuel Lino.
The midfield group features Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz, with Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Danilo Santos and Gabriel Bontempo also included.
Brazil have also packed considerable experience into their defensive unit. Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and experienced international Marquinhos are part of the squad, alongside Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Jair, Matheuzinho, Mauro Jr., Vitor Reis and Wesley.
Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otavio have been named as the three goalkeepers.
For India, the match will provide Khalid Jamil’s side with an opportunity to test itself against one of international football’s most successful teams. The Kolkata fixture will also mark Brazil’s first senior men’s international appearance on Indian soil.
Brazil squad: Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio.
Defenders: Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Jr., Vitor Reis, Wesley.
Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo.
Forwards: Endrick, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Jr.
