Calcutta: One look at Brazilian club Botafogo during a practice session at the Howrah Stadium, on Friday, was enough to convince onlookers that this was no ordinary team.

The under-23 team from Rio de Janeiro boasts of at least five players — Milton Pires, William de Oliveira, Alex Lopes, Bruno Araujo and Vinicius Durante — who play for the senior team. Moreover, goalkeeper Milton Pires has even rubbed shoulders with the likes of Nilmar and Neymar while playing for the under-21 national side.

Other players to watch out for are Vinincius Coimbra Colombiano, winner of three Brazilian championships with Flamengo (2008 and 2009) and Botafogo (2010) and Wallace Teixeira Simoes Correa, who has played for the Brazil youth team. “Yes this is a young team… But they’re very good,” coach Felipe Arantes said.

It is quite possible, that Calcutta may be a premature witness to some future footballing greats.

When asked what to expect from his side, Felipe said, “Botafogo have a philosophy for their football. Our philosophy is to pass… pass… pass… One might say that it resembles Barcelona. But let me tell you that Barcelona and (world champions) Spain play the Brazilian way. It’s time for us to bring that style back. Hopefully, we will be able to show India what we’re capable of.”

On being asked what formation his side is comfortable playing, Felipe said: “We prefer the conventional 4-4-2 and the 4-3-2-1.” Having arrived on Holi, the coach expects his side to perform with flying colours. “Hopefully, we can win the trophy. We love playing on grass, so let’s see,” warned the coach.

When quizzed on his knowledge of Indian football, Felipe said: “We don’t know much about Indian football. But we’re aware of the fact that this is the 116th edition of the IFA Shield.”