Chennai, March 31 (H.S.) : Football enthusiasts saw Brazilian magic at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Sunday when several legends, including players from the 1994 and 2002 World Cup-winning teams, took to the field. In this exhibition match, Brazil Legends triumphed over India All-Stars with a score of 2-1.

Throughout both halves of 35 minutes each, several stars shone, including Brazilian icons like Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Lucio. Meanwhile, India's team was led by experienced players such as IM Vijayan and Mehtab Hussain.

The crowd, typically seen in Chennaiyin FC’s blue jerseys, this time donned yellow, reflecting Indian fans' love for Brazil's football heritage.

From the outset, Brazilian players displayed their technical prowess. In the fifth minute, Rivaldo took a powerful shot from outside the box, which Indian goalkeeper Shubhashis Roy Chowdhury brilliantly saved.

Ronaldinho remained the center of attraction throughout the match. Every time he touched the ball, loud cheers erupted from the stadium.

In the 23rd minute, Brazil had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Marcelo Fernando (Kemandukaya) provided a pass within six yards, but Ricardo Oliveira failed to convert it into a goal.

At the end of the first half, Indian goalkeeper Chowdhury made two consecutive stunning saves, thwarting attempts by Nallappan Mohanraj and Alvito D'cunha. Just before half-time, IM Vijayan's free kick narrowly missed the goalpost.

Second Half Action

In the 43rd minute, India had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Bibiano Fernandes provided a splendid pass to Arnab Mondal. However, Mondal failed to outsmart Brazil's goalkeeper Hyurelho Gomes.

India had to pay the price for this mistake immediately when Brazilian player Viola capitalized on a lapse by Indian defenders and scored to give his team the lead.

However, Indian fans did not have to stay disappointed for long. Right after the kick-off, Bibiano tricked Gomes with a superb chip shot, equalizing the score at 1-1.

Nevertheless, in the 53rd minute, Oliveira restored Brazil's lead with a brilliant shot from inside the box.

In the final minutes, India attempted to equalize, but Brazil Legends held on to their 2-1 lead and secured the victory.

After this thrilling contest, over 23,000 fans present in the stadium felt like true winners as they witnessed the golden stars of football playing before their eyes.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar