The wait is finally over for football fans in Kolkata as the Brazil national football team arrived in the city on Thursday evening, October 1, ahead of their much-anticipated international friendly against India.
The five-time FIFA World Cup champions landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at around 8:45 pm. Given the presence of several global football stars in the squad, security arrangements around the team's movement were kept exceptionally tight. Supporters were not allowed to gather around the airport or along the route to the team hotel.
The Brazilian contingent was escorted out through the VIP gate in two buses carrying the team's trademark yellow-and-green colours. A convoy of pilot cars accompanied the team as it travelled towards its hotel near the EM Bypass.
Among the biggest attractions for Kolkata's football-loving public is Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who received enthusiastic cheers when the team entered the hotel. Other prominent members of the squad include Marquinhos, Endrick and Gabriel.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has also travelled with the squad. Ancelotti and one Brazilian player are scheduled to attend the pre-match press conference on Friday, while the team is expected to conduct a training session at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium, later in the day.
The arrival has generated considerable excitement in Kolkata, a city with a long-standing passion for Brazilian football. The upcoming fixture will see Brazil take on the Indian men's national football team at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, October 3.
Brazil, however, will be without Raphinha, who withdrew from the squad after suffering a right-thigh injury during Brazil's 4-2 victory over Australia and returned to Spain for treatment.
Special arrangements have also been made for the Brazilian team's stay in Kolkata. The travelling contingent has brought its own chef and hygiene manager, while specific food items and supplies have been arranged to meet the team's requirements.
The Salt Lake Stadium has also undergone preparations ahead of the high-profile international fixtures. The venue has received fresh painting and improvements to its playing surface, with Brazilian turf expert Ivan Nascimento involved in the pitch-related work.
With Brazil now in Kolkata, attention has shifted towards Friday's training session and press conference before the five-time world champions face India in what promises to be a major football event for the city.
