It’s mind vs heart for expats but love for game wins

Kolkata: For some, Saturday’s India-Brazil clash at Salt Lake Stadium is a football match. For others, it is a chance to see their beloved Brazil in the flesh — even if it means standing outside the stadium gates or catching a fleeting glimpse of the team bus.With Brazil training at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday, fans gathered around the venue hoping to get a glimpse of the star-studded squad in action. Security restrictions kept most of them away from the stands, but that did little to dampen their excitement. Several fans also gathered outside JW Marriott, where the Brazilian team is staying. Among those who managed to watch the session was Brazilian national Barbara Avian (30) who travelled to Kolkata from Rajasthan with her husband. Avian, who has been living in Rajasthan for the past seven years. “I got married in India and have been living in Rajasthan for the last seven years. But I keep following my national team. When I learnt that the team is coming to Kolkata to play, we booked our tickets for the match,” she said.But Saturday’s contest has left Avian with a dilemma. “My mind will support India but I will always be Brazilian by heart. I am looking forward to a cracking match in a wonderful ambience on Saturday,” she said.Also at the stadium was Nathalia Almeida, wife of East Bengal midfielder Rohit Kumar. A football enthusiast, Almeida said this was her first opportunity to see the Brazil national team in India since her marriage. “I have been an avid football fan and since I got married, this is the first time the Brazil national team is coming here. However, I am in two minds about whom to support on Saturday,” Almeida said.Angelina Giri, accompanying Almeida and Avian, was at the stadium after receiving special permission as her husband is part of the Indian squad. “My friend is part of the Indian squad and so I was given special permission to visit the stadium. I brought my friends, who too are super excited to watch Brazil practice here,” Giri said.“We are extremely excited for the match. The ground and the arrangements look amazing,” the trio said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in KolkataStay updated with the latest Kolkata news. Download the TOI App.