Panaji: A two-member expert team deputed by the Brazilian football federation (CBF) will arrive in Kolkata on Sunday to work on the turf at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan for the historic international friendly between India and the five-time world champions on Oct 3.The first visit to the country by the senior Brazilian national team has generated plenty of interest, but there are concerns over the turf, particularly while hosting opponents of such stature. Officials who inspected the ground last month felt several improvements were needed.“The specialists from Brazil are aiming to bring the ground and training facility up to the same levels as the CBF training Centre,” a source aware of the discussions told TOI on Saturday. “When the inspection happened, Durand Cup matches were played at the stadium, so it was not in the best shape. The delegation was shown top tier Indian Super League (ISL) matches on television when the turf was in good condition, but they were not convinced. They said when the world’s best players are playing, the turf should be of world class standard.”Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has been monitoring the progress of his Europe-based stars and is expected to call up some big names for the friendlies against Australia and India during the Sept 21-Oct 6 international match window. The squad 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 (who India face on Oct 6) are also former world champions with some high-profile footballers. These two games can put Kolkata on the world football map,” said another official involved in the organisation of the matches.The friendly in Kolkata is part of Brazil’s Asia Tour, their first in over two decades. As part of the tour, football’s most decorated nation will play two games against World Cuppers Australia on Sept 25 and Sept 29, before they arrive in India.Contrary to speculation, Brazil will not play any other friendly in South Asia, besides Kolkata, during the international match window. The former world champions will arrive in the City of Joy on Sept 30 and train for two days, before taking the field for a friendly against India, ranked 138 in the world.
