Kolkata, Oct. 2 -- Brazil's press conference was almost over when Khalid Jamil entered the room. Carlo Ancelotti was answering his final questions, speaking in the measured, unhurried manner that has accompanied him through three decades at football's summit.
Jamil, whose own media duties were next, stayed to listen. When Ancelotti rose from his chair, the two coaches met on the podium. There was a warm embrace, a brief exchange of words and a wish of good luck from the Italian. Then Brazil left the stage and India took its place.
For a few seconds, the enormous distance between their footballing worlds seemed to disappear.
Ancelotti's career has been measured in Champions Leagues, league titles and nights inside the game's most imposing...