Kolkata, Sept. 3 -- As the international friendly match between India and Brazil is only a month away, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly praised Brazil's footballing pedigree and said he hopes they visit India with a strong squad.

He believes playing against top-level opponents would provide valuable exposure and help Indian footballers improve. The international friendly match between India and Brazil is scheduled for October 3 in Kolkata.

India will play three international friendlies against higher-ranked opposition, facing Panama on September 26 in Bengaluru before taking on five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6, both in Kolkata.

"Football is a brilliant sport, an...