Ancelotti says India made Brazil work in 4-0 Kolkata win; Jamil backs Gurpreet
Carlo Ancelotti said India made his side work before Brazil beat India 4-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday during the FIFA window. India coach Khalid Jamil publicly defended captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu after the goalkeeper was substituted at half-time.
India remained organised and frustrated Brazil for the opening 27 minutes, but Estevao broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Pedro extended the lead to 2-0 before half-time, and Samuel Lino scored twice after the break to complete a 4-0 victory. Brazil also finished the match with a clean sheet.
Ancelotti said opening the scoring had been difficult for his team and that the first goal changed the flow. "To open the score was difficult. But after we scored with Estevao, we had more opportunity to control the game better," he said, and added that he respected India’s defensive approach: "They defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think they played a good game."
The Brazil coach acknowledged defensive imperfections after making changes at the back with some defenders lining up 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," Ancelotti said, and described the fixture as part of a rebuilding exercise. "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 added.
Ancelotti also addressed the large Kolkata crowd, praising the support despite difficult 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.
Khalid Jamil defended Gurpreet after the goalkeeper, making his 90th appearance for India and captaining the side, was replaced at half-time following Brazil's two first-half goals; Jamil said Gurpreet had been involved in the build-up to both strikes. "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," he said, and revealed that Ancelotti offered him some words before leaving the pitch at full-time.
On selection for the next game, Jamil did not commit to a starter and listed alternatives while confirming Gurpreet 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, and reflected on the challenge of facing Brazil: "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 also described how the contest shifted after Brazil's first 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." Jamil stressed confidence-building for his players: "I just tell them that you are also a talented player. And believe, they must have that belief," adding, "Everyone is mature. I didn't waste time in giving them confidence."
India's next scheduled match is a friendly against Uruguay; Jamil did not confirm whether Gurpreet will start in that fixture.