SportsPosted at: Oct 5 2026 5:14PM


India face tough Uruguay test after Brazil reality check

Kolkata, Oct 5 (UNI) India have little time to recover from their 0-4 defeat to Brazil as they prepare to face another formidable opponent in two-time world champions Uruguay in a FIFA international friendly here on Tuesday.
The 1-1 draw against Panama had raised hopes of a promising outing for Khalid Jamil’s side, but Brazil exposed the gap in quality between India and the world’s top teams at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. India must now put that defeat behind them and find a way to compete against Uruguay, who are ranked 20th in the world.
Despite the heavy loss, Jamil found some positives in his team’s performance, particularly their passing, defensive organisation and attempts to launch counterattacks in the opening 25 minutes. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti also acknowledged India’s efforts in those areas.
India will need to build on those moments against a side with considerably more international experience. For a team ranked 138th in the world, finding the net against Uruguay or even managing a draw would be a significant achievement.
The hosts will look to Ryan Williams to lead their attack after the Australian-born forward scored against Panama. His ability to take on defenders and carry the ball forward makes him a key outlet in the team’s search for goals.
Manvir Singh’s runs and Sahal Abdul Samad’s ability to link up with teammates could also be important as India look to create more chances. Their combination play helped India put Brazil under some pressure early in Saturday’s match, while Lalengmawia Ralte and Anwar Ali contributed to efforts to play out of the opposition’s press.
India’s defensive structure also caused Brazil some problems, with the offside trap catching Pedro out on several occasions. Abhishek Singh Teckham and Anirudh Thapa worked hard to provide cover against Vinicius Junior, while goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made an important save in a one-on-one situation against the Real Madrid forward.
However, India could not turn their promising spells into enough clear-cut opportunities. Their finishing and ability to test the opposition goalkeeper will need to improve against Uruguay.
The defence must also communicate better when pushing up or dropping back, while the midfield needs to close the gaps between the full-backs and centre-backs. India will have to react faster when Uruguay switch play and ensure Williams and Manvir receive enough support when moving forward.
Meanwhile, Uruguay arrive in India at a time of change following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure after the team’s disappointing group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup, where they failed to register a win. New coach Diego Forlan, who won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup, has begun the task of rebuilding the side. Uruguay lost 1-3 to Japan in his first match but bounced back with a convincing 4-1 victory over South Korea four days later.
Ticket prices slashed from Rs 1999 To 199
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has slashed ticket prices by 90 per cent for India’s upcoming friendly against Uruguay in Kolkata, following poor attendance at the clash against Brazil on October 3. Tickets for the C2 Left and C2 Right blocks at the Salt Lake Stadium have been reduced from Rs 1,999 to Rs 99, with the revised rates announced on the AIFF’s social media channels on Sunday.
Squads
India:
Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Som Kumar; Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam; Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Farukh Choudhary, Lalengmawia Ralte, Macarton Nickson, Mohammed Sanan, Ricky Shabong, Sahal Abdul Samad; Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Partap Singh.
Uruguay:
Goalkeepers: Santiago Mele, Cristopher Fiermarin, Ignacio de Arruabarrena, Sebastian Jaume, Thiago Cardozo
Defenders: Kevin Amaro, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Guillermo Varela, Nahitan Nandez, Santiago Mourino, Nicolas Marichal, Ronald Araujo, Alexander Barboza, Jose Maria Gimenez, Juan Rodriguez, Sebastian Boselli, Santiago Bueno, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez, Lucas Olaza, Marcelo Saracchi, Juan Manuel Sanabria
Midfielders: Emiliano Martinez, Lucas Torreira, Rodrigo Bentancur, Facundo Bernal, Santiago Homenchenko, Federico Valverde, Agustin Canobbio, Matias Abaldo, Facundo Pellistri, Luciano Rodriguez, Maximiliano Araujo, Lucas Villalba, Brian Rodriguez, Rodrigo Zalazar, Diego Rossi, Giorgian de Arrascaeta
Forwards: Martin Satriano, Agustin A. Martinez, Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Vinas, Miguel Merentiel, Darwin Nunez, Alvaro RodriguezUNI TB AAB
Tags: #India face tough Uruguay test after Brazil reality check
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