India Vs Brazil: Vinicius Jr Starts As Playing XIs Announced For Historic International Friendly In Kolkata

India and Brazil are set to clash in a momentous international football friendly at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, popularly known as Salt Lake Stadium, on Saturday. This will be the first-ever senior men's international encounter between the two football giants, as well as Brazil's inaugural senior team match on Indian soil. The match is scheduled to commence at 7:30 PM IST (11 AM BRT).

The friendly provides Indian players with a chance to face one of the most renowned teams in global football and gain valuable international experience. India currently sits at rank 138 in FIFA rankings, juxtaposed against Brazil's fifth-place standing.

India's starting lineup includes Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as the goalkeeper, flanked by Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Akash Mishra, and Anirudh Thapa in defense. Midfielders Apuia and Sahal Abdul Samad, alongside Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams, and Ashique Kuruniyan, form the attacking trio.

Brazil's goalkeeper Pedro Morisco will guard the net, with Marquinhos leading the team as captain. The Brazilian squad boasts young talents Estevao and Vinícius Júnior alongside Pedro up front. The historic fixture is anticipated to attract considerable attention from football fans, with Indian supporters granted the unique opportunity to witness their national team go head-to-head against a global football powerhouse on their home turf.