Ronaldinho was a marvel for the spectators on the Brazil Legends versus India All Stars exhibition match within the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium right here on Sunday. It was as if he had designer, one-of-a-kind legs.
When he made a one-touch cease, there was a fast burst of cheer. When he took a nook kick, the gang went berserk. When he took a free kick, the mirth was tectonic. When he was idling round, it was rhyme time: ‘RO-NAAL-DEEN-YO! RO-NAAL-DEEN-YO!’ It was as if he existed for the individuals.
For the individuals, the wall wasn’t speculated to exist when he struck his first free kick. What was that each one about? Why didn’t they get blown away like a straw roof in a tempest? The goalkeeper wasn’t supposed to save lots of when he struck his second free kick. What a killjoy. It was speculated to be a shot of mayhem. They had been supposed to look at Ronaldinho swagger-blast a purpose. They had communed for the sophistication, improvisation, and unintended showmanship Ronaldinho introduced from his previous.
A variety of them had legged it, like a line of purposeful ants, to the stadium. For, the Nehru stadium pitch was about to show hallowed. Football legends from Brazil and India had been to play below one open roof. Where else might they watch Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Gilberto Silva, Edmilson, and Lucio – World Cup winners all – play collectively? Where else might they watch Indian stars throughout generations – I.M. Vijayan with Nallappan Mohanraj and Mehrajuddin Wadoo – play collectively? It was like a phenomenon of nature.
And after they obtained to look at targets from Viola, Bibiano Fernandes and Ricardo Oliveira within the second half, it was sufficient for them to journey within the throes of merriness.
The consequence: Brazil Legends 2 (Viola, Ricardo Oliveira) bt India All Stars 1 (Bibiano Fernandes).
Published – March 30, 2025 10:39 pm IST
