Rahim Ali previews Brazil friendly in Kolkata, reflects on Panama draw and tactics
Indian forward Rahim Ali briefed the media ahead of India’s friendly against Brazil at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on 3 October 2026, outlining the team’s preparation and tactical plans. He said the squad aims to carry momentum from their recent draw with Panama into the match against the five-time world champions.
The City of Joy is set to host Brazil in a landmark friendly as India prepare to face two former world champions — Brazil and Uruguay — in successive matches; those two nations share seven FIFA World Cup trophies between them. India secured a draw against 44th-ranked Panama at the Sree Kanteerva Stadium in Bengaluru, a match in which they dominated much of the first half and Ryan Williams scored in the 41st minute. The federation billed the Panama result as a strong performance ahead of higher-profile opponents.
On the Panama game and the immediate task of facing Brazil, Rahim said: "We had a brilliant performance against Panama. The individual performances of the players were good. Now we need to keep this momentum against such a big team. We are following the coach’s instructions meticulously, and we need to go ahead positively." He added: "FIFA Rankings do not matter on the pitch. We are coming off a draw against a team ranked 44th in the world. We really played well in the last game. If we consistently play at such a top level, we are optimistic that we can deliver a decent result in the next game."
Rahim referred to Vinicius Junior when discussing Brazil’s attacking threats, noting past visits to India and recent successes: the article states the Brazilian previously visited India during the BRICS Cup in 2016 and has since won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid alongside Brazil’s now head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Rahim said: "I am a Ronaldo fan. But I really admired Neymar- the way he played, his skills and everything. But unfortunately, he has retired. Another player I like is Vini Junior, and if I am tasked with the responsibility of containing Vini, I will definitely stop him. "This match is really important for all of us. Brazil are a world class team, they are the five time world champions. But on the pitch it will be 11 versus 11 and all the players are motivated to give their 200 percent on the pitch."
The coverage notes Brazil did not keep a clean sheet in Australia, drawing 1-1 in their opening game and then conceding 2 while scoring 4 in a second match against the Socceroos; the squad will also be without Raphinha for the Kolkata friendly. On that pattern, Rahim said: "Yes, Brazil have been conceding goals in every game in the last few matches. This is a very advantageous situation for us, and if we can try to score within the first 15-20 minutes, it would really make us confident for the remaining period. We need to plan and strategise against every Brazilian player before stepping onto the pitch."
Rahim described the preparation process under the coach and outlined his own aim for selection, saying: "As players, long camps help us immensely. The coach also spends enough time with the players. Ryan has been in good form. The way he finished and scored against Panama was outstanding.My personal target will be to put everything I can to get a spot for myself in the eleven. I am leaving no stone unturned to get my chance, and the day it comes, I will not disappoint." He is an India international who plays for Odisha FC in the Indian Super League.
India’s friendly against Brazil is scheduled for 3 October 2026 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM IST.