New Delhi: A turf specialist team from Brazil is set to arrive in Kolkata on Sunday, September 6, to inspect the playing surface at Salt Lake Stadium ahead of the highly anticipated India vs Brazil football friendly.
The inspection comes less than a month before Brazil’s senior national team is expected to face India in Kolkata. The visit reflects Brazil’s focus on ensuring that the pitch and training facilities meet international standards before the five time world champions take the field.
The Brazilian delegation previously inspected the stadium while the Durand Cup was being played there. The condition of the surface at the time reportedly raised concerns, prompting discussions about improvements to the pitch and training facilities.
The specialists are expected to assess the playing surface and recommend measures to bring the venue closer to the standards maintained at Brazil’s national training centre. The emphasis will be on providing a high quality pitch capable of handling a match involving some of the world’s leading footballers.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been closely monitoring his Europe based players ahead of the upcoming international window. He is expected to select a strong squad for Brazil’s fixtures against Australia and India, with the team announcement scheduled for Wednesday.
Kolkata is set to host two major international football fixtures within three days, with Brazil and Uruguay both scheduled to play in the city. Brazil’s appearance is particularly significant as the five time world champions remain one of the biggest names in international football.
The India friendly will form part of Brazil’s Asian tour and marks the national team’s return to the continent after more than two decades. The high profile fixture is expected to draw considerable attention and could further strengthen Kolkata’s position as a major destination for international football.
