Khalid Jamil backs Gurpreet, demands more from substitutes after India’s loss to Brazil

The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper was arguably at fault for two of Brazil’s goals, and was substituted at half-time for Prabsukhan Singh Gill.

Updated : Oct 04, 2026 08:13 IST , Kolkata - 4 MINS READ

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was arguably at fault for two of Brazil’s goals on Saturday. | Photo Credit: KR DEEPAK

India’s loss to Brazil was an expected result. What wasn’t expected was the home team’s spirit to make the five-time world champion sweat. So what if India was ranked 137th and Brazil, sixth?

“We have to play more (such) matches for experience. But from my side, I think the players did not leave any stone unturned in terms of their efforts. I got them to play defensively; they contributed to the build-up and attack,” India’s coach Khalid Jamil reflected after the match.

India, coming into the match after an impressive 1-1 draw with Panama, had 13 dribbles to Brazil’s three in the match, made 11 interceptions to its opponent’s five and won more duels. But Brazil’s quality ultimately shone through as the South Americans struck two goals in each half to return home with a 4-0 victory.

“The concentration lacked a bit. Concentration, focus and preparation should be good. Good teams try many things (to get a positive result). If you have tried one or two things, it is not enough; you have to improvise from the first to the 90th minute,” Jamil added.

India kept Brazil at bay for 27 minutes before Estevao danced into the box and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s attempted save saw the ball bounce off the ground to give the visitors the lead.

The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper, who has been India’s trusted custodian for over a decade, made another mistake 14 minutes later when he failed to get down in time as the ball rolled into the net off Pedro’s shot. After half-time, Jamil replaced him with Prabsukhan Singh Gill.

But after the match, Jamil defended Gurpreet, saying, “He is one of the best goalkeepers India has, and we cannot judge him in just two matches, because the next game is coming up. He will be back again. Sometimes it happens.

“You cannot blame just one player. If you see many mistakes from defenders, allowing him to take a shot.”

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The sharpest criticism from Jamil did eventually arrive – for the substitutes.

“If a player comes on, they have to be prepared. Today, there were 11 changes, so we have tried everybody. They have to capitalise on the chance; otherwise, they will not get another chance. The ones who came on tonight weren’t up to the mark. All of them,” Jamil said.

“Maybe they did not have the belief that they could start. Mentally, they have to be strong.”

India next faces two-time world champion Uruguay, which comes into the contest after a 4-1 thrashing of South Korea. And Jamil has a clear picture of what he needs to focus on in the next training session.

“(Anirudh) Thapa was very good in defensive midfield. (Ryan) Williams and Manvir (Singh) carried the attacking load really well. So did Sahal (Abdul Samad). Especially Williams. He tried his best. (But) we need to be a bit stronger defensively,” Jamil said.

Another change was evident in the press room – Jamil was relaxed and occasionally had a smile, unlike the reserved look that often made him seem like a hostage in front of journalists.

Perhaps a big burden was indeed off his shoulders: India had not thrown in the towel altogether, and discussions among fans had shifted from ‘How many will India concede?’ to ‘Two goals could have been avoided?’

But Jamil knows the window is not yet over, and in November, India plays another World Cup-playing nation, New Zealand.

“We need to play more matches like this. The next game is very good for us. We have to continue with that. The more we play, the better we will get,” he said.