India vs Brazil: Brazil marked their first-ever senior international meeting against India with a comfortable 4-0 victory at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti's side eventually found their rhythm and pulled away from the Blue Tigers, with Estevao, Pedro and Samuel Lino getting on the scoresheet as the five-time world champions underlined the quality in their squad.
The result ended a memorable night for Indian football, with a packed Salt Lake Stadium witnessing Vinicius Jr, Marquinhos and other Brazilian stars in action.
India, ranked 138th in the world, were up against a Brazil side sitting fifth in the FIFA rankings.
The fixture was also the highest-ranked opposition India had faced since the FIFA ranking system was introduced in 1992.
Estevao Breaks The Deadlock
India made a lively start and showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion. The hosts attempted to press Brazil and created moments of their own, while Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was called into action early.
Brazil gradually took control and finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Estevao cut inside from the right before producing a powerful finish that beat Gurpreet and gave the visitors a 1-0 lead. The Chelsea youngster continued to cause problems for the Indian defence with his movement and direct running.
Pedro Doubles Brazil's Advantage
India tried to stay in the contest, but Brazil's attacking quality eventually produced a second goal.
Pedro found the net in the 42nd minute after making a clever run into the box. Estevao provided the assist, with Pedro finishing clinically to send Brazil into the interval with a 2-0 advantage.
Vinicius Jr, who started the historic encounter, had opportunities during the opening period but could not find the net. The Real Madrid forward was replaced at half-time as Ancelotti used the friendly to give minutes to other members of his squad.
Samuel Lino Adds Third
Ancelotti made several changes after the break, including bringing on Samuel Lino for Vinicius Jr and Endrick for Pedro later in the second half.
Brazil continued to dominate possession and created openings around India's penalty area. Samuel Lino then added Brazil's third in the 58th minute, finishing from Pedro's assist to put the Selecao firmly in control.
India continued to fight despite the growing deficit and looked to threaten on the counter. The Blue Tigers also forced Brazil's defence to work at times, but the visitors' greater experience and quality eventually proved decisive.
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Brazil Complete Comfortable Victory
The fourth goal completed a convincing Brazilian victory as Ancelotti's team finished the historic evening with a 4-0 scoreline.
For India, it was more than a learning and may positives before they face another World Champion Uruguay.
The Blue Tigers showed resilience for long periods and had the opportunity to test themselves against one of football's most succesful nations.