Brazil Name Vinicius, Raphinha, Endrick in 26-Man Squad for India Friendly in Kolkata

Five-time World Cup champion Brazil has announced a strong 26-member squad for its upcoming friendly against India, scheduled to be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 3.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has selected several of Brazil’s biggest names for the historic fixture, with Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Endrick and Bruno Guimaraes among those included. The squad also features three Ballon d’Or nominees, adding further star power to the much-anticipated contest.

Before arriving in Kolkata, Brazil will play Australia twice, with the two friendly matches scheduled for September 25 and September 29. Ancelotti’s side will then travel to India for the October 3 encounter.

Brazil has plenty of attacking options for the three matches. Alongside Vinicius, Raphinha and Endrick, Ancelotti has called up Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Rayan and Samuel Lino, giving the coach a wide range of choices in the final third.

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is one of the leading names in the midfield department. Douglas Luiz has also been selected, while Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Danilo Santos and Gabriel Bontempo complete the midfield group.

The defence includes Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and experienced international Marquinhos. Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Jair, Matheuzinho, Mauro Jr., Vitor Reis and Wesley are the other defensive players named in Ancelotti’s squad.

Brazil will travel with three goalkeepers for the international window, with Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otavio selected between the posts.

The Kolkata friendly promises to be a major test for the Indian national team under head coach Khalid Jamil. Facing one of the most successful teams in the history of international football will give India an opportunity to measure itself against elite opposition.

The fixture is also set to carry historic significance beyond the result. Brazil’s visit to Kolkata is expected to mark the first time its senior men’s national team has played an international match on Indian soil.

With several established Brazilian stars included in the travelling squad, the October 3 clash is set to provide Indian football supporters with a rare opportunity to watch the five-time world champions in action against the Blue Tigers.

BRAZIL SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio.

Defenders: Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Jr., Vitor Reis, Wesley.

Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo.

Forwards: Endrick, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Jr.