Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti felt India made the five-time FIFA World Cup champions work for their goals before the visitors took control of their 4-0 win in Kolkata on Saturday.
India stayed organised and frustrated Brazil for the opening 27 minutes at the Salt Lake Stadium, but Estevao finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Pedro made it 2-0 before half-time, while Samuel Lino struck twice after the break to complete a comfortable victory.
advertisement
“To open the score was difficult. But after we scored with Estevao, we had more opportunity to control the game better,” Ancelotti said after the match.
The Brazil coach was particularly pleased with the way India defended and looked to hit on the counter.
“They defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think they played a good game,” he said.
INDIA vs BRAZIL: HIGHLIGHTS
Brazil also kept a clean sheet, although Ancelotti admitted his side could have been sharper defensively. He had made changes to the backline, with some of the defenders playing together for the first time.
“We defended well. We could have defended better. It was a new defence that never played together, so it could be that not everything was perfect,” he said.
The match was another part of Brazil’s rebuilding process following their pre-quarterfinal exit at the World Cup. Ancelotti has used the FIFA window to give younger players an opportunity and assess their credentials for the future.
“It was a test. Now it’s a moment for us to give an opportunity to the young, to be part of the squad, to know, and for us to know, if they have the quality to be part of the national team in the future,” he said.
Ancelotti also had a message for the Kolkata crowd, which turned up in large numbers despite the humid conditions.
“We are happy to be here. We try to do our best. We try to show to all the people that love Brazil and love football, to show our best quality. And I hope they enjoy the night,” he said.
JAMIL BACKS GURPREET AFTER BRAZIL ERRORS
India coach Khalid Jamil came out in support of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu after the goalkeeper was replaced at half-time following Brazil’s two first-half goals.
Gurpreet, who was making his 90th appearance for India and captaining the side, was involved in the build-up to both goals, but Jamil refused to single him out for blame.
“It’s not because of Gurpreet, he’s one of the finest goalkeepers of the country. The defender didn’t close down, then the ball moved from there as well. So overall, everybody’s mistake,” Jamil said.
The coach did not confirm whether Gurpreet would start against Uruguay in India’s next friendly, but made it clear the experienced goalkeeper remains in his plans.
“Maybe Som (Kumar) will play, maybe Albino (Gomes), anyone. Depending on the situation. But Gurpreet, definitely he will be back,” he said.
Jamil acknowledged the challenge of facing Brazil, pointing to the quality and experience of a side whose players compete at some of the biggest clubs in the world.
“Definitely their quality, their coach is also good. They’ve played in different clubs. So to manage them, it is very difficult, not an easy job,” he said.
For Jamil, the game changed after Brazil’s opening goal.
“Till the water break, I was thinking everything will be fine. Then we scored a silly goal. Then we scored a second goal. So the calculation has changed a little,” he said.
The India coach said matches against teams of Brazil’s stature were valuable for his players and stressed the need for them to believe they belong on the same pitch.
“I just tell them that you are also a talented player. And believe, they must have that belief,” Jamil said. “Everyone is mature. I didn’t waste time in giving them confidence.”
Jamil also revealed that Ancelotti offered him some words of encouragement before leaving the pitch after the final whistle.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
