Brazilians enthrall Kolkata

Brazil’s World Cup winners mesmerised the mecca of Indian soccer with their unmatched skills, reminding everyone of their heyday as they beat IFA XI 3-1 in an exhibition match at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday.

The around 25,000 spectators had their money’s worth with stars like Dunga, Bebeto, Beto, Zinho, Zuninho, Mauro Silva and others unfurling the Samba magic.

The Brazil Masters team, donning the famous yellow and green national team jersey, boasted of nine World Cuppers, seven from the 1994 team and two from the 2002 squad.

Former Colombia goalkeeper Rene Higuita, famous for his acrobatic scorpion kicks and for scoring eight international goals, added glamour to the local team, which comprised several former India players like Prasun Banerjee, Gautam Sarkar, Manas Bhattacharjee and Bidesh Bose.

The Brazilians scored their first goal in the ninth minute of the 70-minute game, with Beto’s header looping into the net. In the 15th minute, Bebeto, part of the 1994 squad, shot a powerful right-footer into the IFA XI goal, making the scoreline 2-0.

In the 40th minute, Dunga completed the tally with a powerful volley. Higueta made a grand entry at this stage under the IFA XI bar with cheers from the crowd and produced a couple of his famous scorpion saves.

For the IFA XI Dipendu Biswas scored in the 62nd minute.