In Kolkata, where Brazil closed its October journey before another return to Asia, a 4-0 win over India delivered the clearest scoreline of the international break but not a complete answer to the questions surrounding the five-time world champions.
The match was Brazil’s third of the window. They had first drawn 1-1 with Australia, then beaten the Australians 4-2, before finishing the trip with a comfortable victory in India. It was also the first meeting between Brazil and India, a landmark occasion that carried more historical novelty than competitive tension.
There was nevertheless a note of caution around the performance. The view from Spain was that Brazil had made limited use of this set of friendlies and remain some distance from their best level, despite collecting results on a tour through less familiar football destinations.
Vinicius Junior was central to much of Brazil’s attacking work in Kolkata. Operating from the left, the Real Madrid forward repeatedly took on Indian defenders and helped move his side towards the penalty area. In the seventh minute, he saw an effort from inside the box saved.
Yet the final action was judged to be lacking from the winger, both in his attempts on goal and in the final pass. Brazil’s most frequent route forward began on his flank, but the precision needed to turn those promising moves into more decisive openings was not always present.
Another Asian stop awaits
Brazil will reconvene in November for two further fixtures in Asia. Japan are scheduled to provide the first test on 14 November, followed by Singapore on 17 November. An earlier assessment of the upcoming window referred to Indonesia as the second opponent, but the listed programme names Singapore.
The Kolkata result therefore sends Brazil into the next gathering with a three-match sequence that included one draw and two wins. The goals against India offered a confident closing image, while the coming meetings with Japan and Singapore will provide another chance to sharpen a team still searching for its highest level.
