After 11 World Cups, football finally comes home for one Indian fan

Kolkata, India - For 77-year-old Indian football fan Dipak Nandy, the World Cup has always been a top priority, despite his country never qualifying for the tournament. This Saturday will be no different as Brazil take on his home nation, marking the Selecao's first-ever international friendly on Indian soil. Nandy has attended every World Cup since 1986, including the 1986 Mexico edition where he witnessed Argentine legend Diego Maradona's unmatched skill.

At that time, securing a passport took months, but Nandy managed to obtain one in just 15 days and attended his first World Cup. He considers Maradona a once-in-a-lifetime player and will never forget his run and goals, particularly the infamous one-off handball against England in the 1986 quarter-final. Nandy's passion for the sport began in 1966 after watching video reels of the World Cup in Kolkata.

Despite the country's poor performance in football, Nandy remains undeterred, believing that India's diverse culture, hot and humid weather, and strong cricket culture are the reasons behind their lack of success on the international stage.