India vs Brazil: The lineups are confirmed for the much-anticipated historic friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti naming a strong starting XI for the clash against the Blue Tigers.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr starts, while Brazil captain Marquinhos also makes the XI. Young sensation Estevao is included in the attack, but Real Madrid forward Endrick will begin the match on the bench.
The match is the first senior men's international meeting between India and Brazil and is being played at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium. Brazil, ranked fifth in the FIFA Men's World Ranking, are facing India, who are ranked 138th, in one of the biggest football fixtures ever staged in the country.
Vinicius Jr Starts, Endrick On Bench
Vinicius Jr gets the nod from Ancelotti and will lead Brazil's attacking threat alongside Estevao and Pedro. The Real Madrid forward is one of the biggest attractions of the evening and will be closely watched by the packed Kolkata crowd.
Estevao also gets a start after being one of the exciting young names in Ancelotti's squad. Endrick, meanwhile, will have to wait for his opportunity from the bench, meaning Indian fans could still get to see the Real Madrid youngster during the second half.
Marquinhos Leads Brazil
Marquinhos wears the captain's armband and starts in the centre of defence. He is joined by Matheuzinho, Arthur Dias and Douglas Santos in Brazil's back four, with Pedro Morisco starting in goal.
The Brazilian midfield features Danilo, Andrey Santos and Gabriel Bontempo. Bruno Guimaraes, who was among the major stars expected to attract attention in Kolkata, starts on the bench.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Endrick are also among Brazil's substitutes.
India Name Strong Starting XI
India captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu leads the Blue Tigers. Abhishek Singh, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese and Akash Mishra form the defensive unit.
Anirudh Thapa and Apuia will operate in midfield, while Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams, Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan make up the attacking unit.
Ryan Williams arrives into the contest after scoring India's goal in their recent 1-1 draw against Panama, giving Khalid Jamil's side confidence ahead of the biggest test of the international window.
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India vs Brazil Confirmed Lineups
India Starting XI
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (C), Abhishek Singh, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Akash Mishra, Anirudh Thapa, Apuia, Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams, Sahal Abdul Samad, Ashique Kuruniyan.
Brazil Starting XI
Pedro Morisco (GK), Matheuzinho, Marquinhos (C), Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Danilo Santos, Andrey Santos, Gabriel Bontempo, Estevao, Vinicius Jr, Pedro.