New Delhi, Oct. 3 -- Khalid Jamil's journey to the biggest night of his coaching career has passed through some of Indian football's most demanding grounds. From his days as a midfielder to an injury-forced retirement, from Mumbai FC and Aizawl FC to the Indian Super League, Jamil has built his career almost entirely within the domestic game.

On Saturday, 3 October, that journey takes him to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, where India will face five-time world champions Brazil and Jamil will stand on the touchline opposite Carlo Ancelotti.

Jamil's football career began as a player in the late 1990s. He started professionally with Mahindra United in 1997 before moving to Air India. He later returned to Mahindra United and also represen...