Brazil Dominates India 4-0 in Historic Football Friendly in Kolkata
KOLKATA: Five-time World Cup champions Brazil showcased their football prowess with a commanding 4-0 victory over India in a historic friendly match held at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. This marked the first time a senior men’s Brazilian team visited India, generating significant excitement among fans.
Despite the anticipation, the stadium, which has a capacity of 65,000, was only half-filled, a situation attributed to high ticket prices. The cheapest tickets, priced at 999 rupees (approximately $10), sold out quickly, while subsequent price tiers ranged from 3,500 to 25,000 rupees, limiting attendance.
India, currently ranked 138th in the FIFA world rankings, aims to elevate the profile of football in a country predominantly passionate about cricket. While this was the inaugural clash between the men’s teams, the women’s teams had previously met in Manaus, Brazil, in 2021, highlighting the growing football ties between the nations.
Looking ahead, the Indian football federation may need to reassess ticket pricing strategies to ensure better attendance at future international matches, as the nation continues its efforts to foster a stronger football culture among its 1.4 billion citizens.