THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Dunga, Bebeto & company cast a spell over Kolkata

Brazil Masters XI

The Brazil Masters XI led by legendary 1994 FIFA World Cup winning skipper Carlos Dunga have won an exhibition match against a Sports Ministers XI at the Saltlake Stadium today.

The Brazilian team fielded various legends from the past like Bebeto, Aldair, Edmílson, Mauro Silva, Juninho Paulista besides a few Brazilian I-League stars like Churchill Brothers skipper Roberto ‘Beto’ Mendes Silva, former Mohun Bagan striker José Ramirez Barreto and Colombian star keeper René ‘The Scorpion’ Higuita.

The Sports Ministers XI consisting of Indian players and sports stars like Indian tennis legend Leander Paes conceded their first goal in the 13th minute when Churchill’s Beto found the back of the net with a fine header off a Juninho Paulista corner kick.

Bebeto, one of the all-time Hall of Fame strikers of world football, increased the lead just five minutes later, while Carlos Dunga made it even 3-0 with a powerful long-ranger moments before the half-time whistle.

René Higuita had his special moment of the match, when he displayed his trademark “Scorpion Kick” save to the delight of the approximately 35,000 fans at the Saltlake Stadium.

The Sports Ministers XI pulled one back through Dipendu Biswas in the 64th minute.

The Brazilian visitors won the entertaining match 3-1 and displayed their still existing skills on the pitch.