Five-time world champions Brazil have arrived in Kolkata to play a friendly match against India, touching down amid heavy security arrangements. The Seleção landed at the airport at around 8:45 pm on Thursday, October 1, and were quickly moved out through the VIP gate in two buses painted in the country’s symbolic green and yellow. Police were deployed along the entire route from the airport to the hotel to keep fans and onlookers away from the team bus, and security was so tight that spectators could not stand near the airport or along the route. In just 11 minutes, two buses and five private cars left the airport carrying a delegation of about 90 people, and it took only eight minutes to reach the hotel. Security near the team hotel was also described as impeccable.
Inside the hotel, some visitors managed to catch a glimpse of the Brazilian footballers. The slogan “Vini Vini” was heard from the lobby when Vinicius was seen wearing a cap. The players were dressed in olive green hoodies, shorts and yellow caps. Brazil arrived without the injured Rafinha, who was not part of the travelling group. The team’s arrival has generated significant excitement in Kolkata, with fans eager to see the star-studded side in action.
Brazil will take on host India at the Yuva Bharati Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, October 3. Before the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti is scheduled to hold a press conference on Friday, October 2, in the morning. A Brazilian footballer will accompany him at the press conference. After that, the team will practise at the main field of Yuva Bharati from 4 pm to 5 pm. Following the practice session, the entire team will return to the hotel, and there are no other plans for the day. The visit has been organised with tight security and a clear schedule, reflecting the high profile of the match and the enormous interest surrounding Brazil’s presence in the city.
