India is set to host five-time world champions Brazil in a historic invitational football friendly in Kolkata. The match, while offering invaluable exposure for the Indian team, has also drawn criticism over its cost and the decision to withdraw from the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The event carries political significance and marks a key step in Brazil's rebuilding process.
Five-time world champions Brazil are set to play India in an invitational friendly at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium, marking their first-ever international meeting. The match, while a spectacle for Indian fans, has drawn criticism regarding its cost and impact on Indian football development, with former captain Bhaichung Bhutia questioning its value over long-term investment. For Brazil, it's part of a rebuilding process, while India aims to gain invaluable experience against a top-tier team.
Brazil has announced its 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for a historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. This landmark fixture follows Brazil's Australia tour and promises a grand spectacle for Indian football fans.
Brazil has announced a 26-member squad, featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, for their historic first-ever football match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is overseeing a significant rebuild, integrating young talent with experienced players, with an eye on future tournaments like the 2028 Olympics and 2030 World Cup. The squad includes several debutants and a focus on current form, marking a new strategic direction for the Selecao.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Saturday
Leander Paes and his Czech partner Radek Stepanek entered the third round of the US Open men's doubles event after getting the better of Brazilians Joao Souza and Thomaz Bellucci.
Keeping India's challenge alive, Somdev Devvarman edged past Joao Souza in a gruelling encounter to advance to the second round of the qualifying event for the French Open in Paris. Seeded 26, India's numero uno player recorded a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 victory over his Brazilian opponent in a skill testing two hour and 27 minutes clay court battle, on Tuesday night.
Somdev Devvarman has been seeded sixth in the French Open qualifying event and has got an easy opener against Jiri Vanek of Czech Republic.
Top-seeded world number ones Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic help launch the US Open tennis championships on Monday's opening day of the year's final Grand Slam.
Wolves took the lead a minute later when Rayan Ait-Nouri's cross found Sarabia poorly marked in the middle of the box. The Spain international headed past Grbic to score his third goal in the campaign.
World number one Novak Djokovic lost to rivals Roger Federer and Andy Murray in the finals of US Open warm-up events but the Serb insists those defeats have aided his preparations for the last grand slam of the season.
Serena Williams must navigate a heavily American quarter of the draw including sister Venus to complete a calendar sweep of the four Grand Slams, while two sensational quarter-finals loom on the men's side after Thursday's U.S. Open draw.
Leonardo Mayer beat Joao Souza in a Davis Cup singles match that lasted a record six hours and 42 minutes.
Photos from the US Open matches played on Monday
Serbia carved out a 2-0 lead over rivals Croatia while Britain led the US by the same score and holders Switzerland were tied with Belgium in the Davis Cup.
Images from the Australian Open matches played on Tuesday.
Roger Federer guided Switzerland to victory in their Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against the Netherlands with an easy 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Thiemo de Bakker on Sunday.
Here's your weekly digest of the most weird, true and funny news from the across the world.
Roberto Firmino's goal gave Brazil a 1-0 victory over Chile in a feisty friendly at the Emirates Stadium in London on Sunday, their eighth successive win since last year's disappointing World Cup campaign.
