A turf specialist team will fly in to Kolkata from Brazil on Sunday, September 6, to inspect the pitch at the Salt Lake Stadium, with less than a month to go for the big-ticket clash between India and Brazil in Kolkata, according to a report in The Times of India.
The senior Brazilian national team’s first visit to the nation has generated plenty of interest, but concerns remain over the quality of the turf and the challenges of hosting opponents of such stature.
Officials who inspected the ground in August felt that multiple improvements were necessary.
“The specialists from Brazil are aiming to bring the ground and training facility up to the same level as the CBF Training Centre. When the inspection happened, Durand Cup matches were played at the stadium,
so it wasn’t in the best shape,” a source said while speaking to The Times of India.
“The delegation was shown top-tier Indian Super League matches on television when the turf was in good condition, but they weren’t convinced. They said that when the world’s best players are playing, the turf should be of world-class standard,” the source added.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has been monitoring his Europe-based stars and is expected to name a strong team for the friendlies against Australia and India during the September 21-October 6 international window.
The team will be announced on Wednesday.
“Kolkata will host two big games in just three days. Brazil are five-time world champions, among the best football has known, while Uruguay are also former world champions with some high-profile footballers,” another official involved in the organisation of the games said while speaking to The Times of India.
“These two games can put Kolkata on the world football map,” the official added.
The friendly in Kolkata is part of Brazil’s Asia tour, marking their first visit to the continent in more than 20 years.
