For Kolkata’s football fans, Brazil was love before first sight
Kolkata is preparing to host the Brazilian national football team for a friendly match against India. The article explores the historical cultural connection between Indian football fans and Brazil's playing style.
Why it matters
It highlights the deep-rooted cultural influence of international sports icons on local fanbases in India.
As the city gears up to host Vini Jr & Co for tomorrow’s friendly, stars of India’s golden era talk of a lifelong romance ignited by match reports and the odd footageFrom Argentine greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi to Germany’s Oliver Kahn, Kolkata has hosted some of football’s greatest icons down the years. Yet, the city holds a special place for Brazil, a love affair that began with its first breakout stars and is now set to only deepen when Vinicius Jr and his teammates arrive for the friendly they play against India on Saturday at Salt Lake Stadium.Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s boys are ranked No.6 in world football. India are a distant No.138.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in