India played good game: Ancelotti hails Blue Tigers after Brazil win

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti appreciated India’s organised efforts in defence and counterattack, saying the Blue Tigers gave his side some difficult moments despite going down 0-4 in the historic friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium. India held their own against a star-filled Brazilian side for the first 25 minutes before the five-time world champions found their footing to motor away.

“They tried to play their game. They defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think they played a good game,” the 67-year-old celebrated coach said after the match.

“We had difficulty opening the score, but the moment we opened the score with Estevao, we had more opportunities to better control the game.

“It was a good experience. We gave a minute to the players that maybe was good for them to have a test. I think it was a good game, entertaining, with good intensity. India did its part to try to defend, play counter-attack,” he added. The wide gulf between the teams was evident as Brazil enjoyed 65.8 per cent of possession against India’s 34.2 per cent of ball time.

The South Americans had 20 attempts to score against India’s nine, and registered seven on target while India managed three. The visitors also had edge in attacking touches inside box, 29-12, and completed 156 successful passes in final third compared to India’s 29.