Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: The press conference of the Brazilian team was coming to an end. After Marquinho left, Brazil's chief coach Carleso Ancelotti was answering various questions from the media regarding the match against the Indian team. Then, Indian team coach Khalid Jamil appeared in the press conference room amidst the crowd of media.
The purpose was to exchange pleasantries and shake hands with Khalid after the press conference of the veteran Brazilian coach Ancelotti. Khalid had to stand for a long time as Ancelotti's speech was prolonged. However, the Indian coach was not upset or angry about it. Rather, it seemed that the experienced coach of the Brazilian national team listened to Ancelotti's speech carefully, and perhaps tried to learn something. It is not surprising that he also had a plan in mind to stop the strong opponent Brazil. Later, when Ancelotti finished speaking, they posed for a photo together in a cheerful mood at the request of the match organizers.
Ancelotti first shook hands with Khalid. Then a few words were exchanged between the two. Khalid later said that Ancelotti wished him and the Indian football team well for the match. Ancelotti hugged Khalid before leaving the press conference stage, which was an emotional moment. Which was witnessed by Kolkata, in front of journalists from different parts of India and abroad. Which spread between them all over the world. This is the message conveyed by the courtesy exchange between the two coaches, no matter how much difference there is in the ranking in terms of the quality of football, that difference is instantly erased outside the field. This is the greatness of football.
Brazil is number 5 in the FIFA rankings. 5-time world champions. Panama was 94 steps ahead of the Indian team in the last match. Brazil is 133 steps ahead of India in the FIFA rankings. The Indian football team has drawn 1-1 with Panama in the rankings. Coach Khalid was asked, what are you planning for the match against Brazil based on your performance in that match? If you play badly, you will face harsh criticism. In this situation, what is your and the team's attitude before the Brazil match?
Indian team coach Khalid gave a strong answer, sitting next to stopper Anwar Ali, who provided confidence in the defense in the Panama match, saying, "Panama was a strong opponent. However, our footballers played fighting football without keeping that in mind. This has definitely boosted the confidence of the entire team before facing Brazil. Everyone in the team knows that Brazil is stronger. However, they are not suffering from inferiority complex thinking about it. Rather, they are preparing for a tough challenge. We have to play the match wisely. The slightest mistake against Brazil can hurt us. The boys will fight, and then the result will be whatever it takes. Panama and Brazil have different playing styles, and the coach's strategy is also different. Brazil is equally good at attacking and defending. So we have to adjust our strategy accordingly. The job of critics is to criticize. Worrying too much about them will ruin our focus. Rather, it is important to focus on the game.’
How stressful is facing Brazil? Knowing that Brazil will be played, are the footballers wasting their nights worrying about conceding more goals? Khalid jokingly asked the questioner, ‘You mean you want to know whether the footballers have lost sleep before the Brazil match? Undoubtedly, the match is stressful. The footballers know the importance of the match. They will be playing against one of the best teams in the world. Everyone is ready to handle that pressure and give their best. What is the benefit of losing sleep? Rather, it is important to focus on Brazil’s strength and play with a positive attitude, without thinking about the result. Keeping a balance in defense and attack. It would not be right to try to show anything extra. If we bring out our natural game and give our best, any result can be achieved.’
Indian team stopper Anwar Ali had a big contribution behind the 1-1 draw in the Panama match. What kind of performance will he get in the Brazil match? Anwar replied confidently, "We have to stick to the game plan for the Panama match. Once we get on the field, there is no question of being in our shell thinking about who the opponent is. We have to be ready to give the best to every footballer in the team. 100 percent." Anwar scored a free kick for the Indian Under-20 team against the Scaloni-trained Under-20 Argentina team. Will he score a goal in the Brazil match on Saturday? Anwar replied, "There are more footballers in the team who can take good free kicks. So if I get a free kick, they are more likely to score. However, if I get a chance to score, I will try to score. It is definitely an honor to score a goal against Brazil in the national jersey."