Fernandinho, Ronaldinho shine in Brazil Legends’ 4-3 win over Indian All Stars

Ronaldinho, third from right, during Brazil Legends exhibition game against India All Stars at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Long before the kick-off, the fans thronged the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Many of them wore the blue shirt of India, and there were several in yellow, too.

Hawkers were there as well, selling jerseys and plastic horns. And if you wanted, you could get the flags of Indian or Brazil painted on your face, too.

There was indeed excitement in the air on Wednesday night. You would be pardoned if you thought the build-up was for a competitive match, and not the one featuring former football stars.

But, the legends from Brazil didn’t disappoint their fans. There were quite a few moments that showed why the world fell in love with the brand of football this South American nation plays.

And there were quite a few goals, too. In the match dubbed the Return of the Titans, Brazil Legends beat Indian All Stars 4-3.

Former Indian international I.M. Vijayan, right, and Brazilian legend Ronaldinho share an embrace. | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

The highlight was an old-fashioned hat-trick by Fernandinho, who was superb right through. Brazil’s other goal was scored by the man the most people came to watch – Ronaldinho. The winner of the 2005 Ballon d’Or scored from the penalty spot. And it was a nice, firm kick, too.

He wasn’t the only player on the field to have won the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup. There was Rivaldo, too. And you could see Indian stars like I.M. Vijayan requesting him to pose for photographs shortly after the match.

It was another Kerala player who shone brighter. C.K. Vineeth netted two goals, including the one that gave the home team a 1-0 lead. The other was scored in the dying minutes by Ashim Biswas.