CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Brazilian Magic Shines in Chennai as Brazil Legends Defeat India All-Stars 2–1
Football fans at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai were treated to a dazzling display of Brazilian magic on Sunday as legendary players—including 1994 and 2002 FIFA World Cup winners—took to the field. In this exhibition match, the Brazil Legends edged out the India All-Stars with a 2–1 victory.
Stars on Display
The match, played in two 35-minute halves, featured Brazilian greats such as Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Lúcio. On the Indian side, veterans like I.M. Vijayan and Mehtab Hossain led the charge.
While fans in the stadium are usually seen in the blue of Chennaiyin FC, this time they were draped in Brazil’s iconic yellow, showcasing their admiration for the South American football heritage.
First Half Highlights
From the opening whistle, the Brazilians displayed their signature technical brilliance. In the 5th minute, Rivaldo fired a powerful shot from outside the box, brilliantly saved by Indian goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury.
Ronaldinho was the crowd favorite throughout the match—every touch of the ball drew loud cheers from the stands.
In the 23rd minute, Brazil nearly took the lead when Marcelo Fernando (Camanducaia) passed to Ricardo Oliveira in the six-yard box, but the chance was missed.
Toward the end of the first half, goalkeeper Chowdhury pulled off two incredible saves to deny Nallappan Mohanraj and Alvito D’Cunha. Just before halftime, I.M. Vijayan’s free kick missed the goal by inches.
Second Half Action
India had a golden chance in the 43rd minute, when Bibiano Fernandes set up Arnab Mondal with a beautiful pass. However, Mondal failed to beat Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
Brazil punished the miss swiftly. Viola capitalized on a defensive lapse and slotted the ball into the net, giving Brazil a 1–0 lead.
But Indian fans didn’t have to wait long for a response. Right from the restart, Bibiano Fernandes executed a stunning chip over Gomes to make it 1–1.
However, in the 53rd minute, Ricardo Oliveira redeemed his earlier miss with a brilliant strike from inside the box to restore Brazil’s lead to 2–1.
India pressed hard for an equalizer in the closing minutes, but Brazil Legends held on to seal the win.
A Memorable Night for All
More than 23,000 fans in the stadium left with smiles, having witnessed football royalty in action. While Brazil Legends took the win, the true victors were the spectators who enjoyed a night of nostalgic football brilliance.
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