Kolkata: 

Despite suffering a heavy defeat, head coach Khalid Jamil took plenty of encouragement from India's display against five-time world champions Brazil, expressing hope that his side will feature in many more such high-profile fixtures going forward to aid their development.

Brazil, positioned sixth in the FIFA Men's World Rankings, defeated India, ranked 138th, 4-0 on Saturday.

"Definitely, their quality is very high. Their coach is also good, and they have players who have played at different clubs," Jamil noted during the post-match media session.

"To manage them is very difficult, not an easy job. It doesn’t happen in a day; it takes time. Pressure is everywhere. But the more we play, the better.

"The next game is also very good for us, so we have to continue with that," he added, casting his focus towards Tuesday's upcoming encounter against two-time former world champions Uruguay.

The Selecao stand as the highest-ranked opponents India have faced since official rankings were introduced in August 1993, surpassing ninth-ranked Russia in 1995 and Japan in 1998.

Consequently, Jamil was pleased with aspects of the performance, though he conceded that the team needs greater defensive resilience.

“Mahesh and Thapa were very good defensively. They were very good in midfield. Williams, Sahal (Abdul Samad) and Manvir were also good.

“Manvir was very good one-versus-one. Overall, it was very good, especially Williams. He tried his best. Defensively, we should be a little stronger," he stated.

India's encouraging start unravelled after Brazil broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Jamil believed that the opening goal fundamentally altered the dynamic of the match.

“That’s why I said concentration should be good. Till the water break, I was thinking everything would be fine. Then we conceded a silly goal. Then we conceded a second goal, so the calculation changed a little.”

Jamil defends Gurpreet

The Indian manager firmly dismissed suggestions that goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu should shoulder sole blame for the defeat, offering strong backing to the veteran custodian.

“It’s not because of Gurpreet. The defender didn’t close down, then the ball moved from there as well. So overall, everybody’s mistake,” Jamil explained.

When questioned on whether Gurpreet would retain his place for Tuesday's friendly against Uruguay, Jamil stopped short of guaranteeing a start while emphasising that the goalkeeper remains firmly in his plans.

“Maybe Som (Kumar) will play, maybe Albino (Gomes), anyone. Depending on the situation. But Gurpreet, definitely he will be back.”

Jamil acknowledged that his players experienced substantial tension facing the South American giants.

“Before the match, there was pressure on the players, definitely 100 per cent, because you are going to play against Brazil.”

Discussing how he managed that psychological burden, the coach outlined a straightforward philosophy.

“I just tell them that they are also talented players. They must have that belief. Everyone is mature. I didn’t waste time giving them confidence. They are also eager to play, and they know about it.”

Looking ahead with confidence

The coach urged his squad to carry forward their learnings with self-belief.

“After the match, I told them, ‘You played, and you have seen. You have also done well, so continue with that.”

Jamil also disclosed that Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti offered words of praise once the final whistle blew.

“He said, ‘Good game. You played very well. Just keep it up. We will keep in touch.”

PTI