‘It is a good experience for everyone, but the result was not up to the mark’: India coach Khalid Jamil after 0-4 loss to Brazil
India lost 0-4 to Brazil in a FIFA friendly on October 4, 2026, and India head coach Khalid Jamil said the match was valuable despite the scoreline not meeting expectations. Jamil told media, "It is a good experience for everyone, but the result was not up to the mark. The biggest lesson that we have learnt is that we have to believe in ourselves, and we need to work as per the plan and focus."
The Brazilian side, described in the report as star-studded and led by Carlo Ancelotti, scored through Chelsea’s Estêvão in the 28th minute, a goal from Pedro just before half-time, and two second-half strikes from Samuel Lino to complete the 4-0 win. The article referred to Brazil as five-time World Champions and identified Ancelotti as the visiting coach.
Khalid Jamil said India did not make the match easy for the visitors and that the experience was memorable for Indian football and supporters, while the report singled out Ryan Williams for creating three close opportunities in the attacking third. The piece noted that, although Brazil were clear favourites, Jamil’s players put up a fight.
On tactical and psychological lessons, Jamil emphasized concentration and execution, saying, "Even one mistake can cost us very badly. We could’ve prepared well and should have capitalised on our chances." He also reflected on the pressure of facing Brazil: "Of course, there was a lot of pressure because we were playing them for the first time, and they are the World Champions. I told my players that they are also a bunch of talented players."
Asked about interactions with Carlo Ancelotti, Jamil described the Real Madrid coach in personal terms: "He is a very good gentleman." He added, "He is very simple, humble and very nice. We have a lot to learn technically. His relationship with his players is very good, and there are many things to learn from him." Jamil also relayed Ancelotti's post-match words: "He appreciated our performance and told me that we played well after the game. He asked us to keep it up, and he’ll stay in touch."
Defending his captain after the defeat, Jamil said, "We cannot blame Gurpreet, and we cannot judge him on two matches. It was everybody’s mistake."
Jamil closed by reaffirming his confidence in the goalkeeper’s role going forward, saying, "He is one of the best goalkeepers that India has, and he will be back in the next game."
