An own goal from Irish midfielder Keith Andrews and a clinical finish from Robinho saw Brazil comfortably defeat the Republic of Ireland at the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday night.
The Brazilians could have won this game at a canter had they been sharper in front of goal in the second half, so much was their dominance over Giovanni Trapattoni’s men.
The Irish were bright and energetic in the opening period, tenaciously keeping Brazil on the back foot with pressure and efficient use of the ball while in possession.
Kevin Doyle had a good header from a Damien Duff cross saved by Julio Cesar, but bad luck was soon to hit the Irish team again.
It looked like Robinho was offside when released down the right hand side but no flag was raised, and the Brazilian’s low cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by the unfortunate Andrews in the 44th minute.
The second period saw Brazil completely take over the game, and the Irish simply could not match the slick passing and incisive movement of their illustrious opponents.
Kaka stared to run the show in midfield as wave after wave of attack came down on Shay Given's goal.
Multiple substitutions opened up the game somewhat and Dani Alves nearly scored straight after his introduction when he robbed Sean St. Ledger of possession, rounded Shay Given and then somehow screwed his left-footed finish wide.
Brazil scored their second in the 76th minute when Kaka, Grafite and Robinho linked up brilliantly for the former Manchester City striker to place the ball past Given in the Irish goal.
Both managers gave their bench players some game time as the game petered out, but Brazil will be happy with their night’s work.
An encouraging performance from Ireland in the opening period was tempered by too many individual mistakes, especially at the back, in the second half.
Rep of Ireland: Given ,Kelly, McShane, St Ledger, Kilbane Lawrence, Whelan, Andrews, Duff, Keane, Doyle
McGeady for Duff (56), Gibson for Whelan (56), McCarthy for Lawrence (69), Best for Doyle (78)
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Bastos Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Ramires, Kaka, Robinho, Adriano
Subs: Dani Alves fro Ramires (64),Grafite For Adriano (64),Honorato da Silva Nilmar For Robinho (77), Anderson Luis Da Silva Luisao for Ferreira Lucio (82), Eduardo for Maicon (84)
1 Comment
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.jacersisityourself | Mar 02, 2010, 05:41 PM EST
Declan’s headline should’ve stated the Truth – “Ireland Once Again Beaten by Match Officials’ Blindness.” Both goals were scored out of offside positions. I even screamed “offside” before the ball was in the net on both occasions – plain to see by all in slow motion action replay. (But hey – did yaz see it? Wasn’t there fantastic footballing movement by the Sambas for the 2nd goal! Super soccer football stuff, even if it was from offside. Gack!) The Irish lads can hold their heads high, esp from 1st half and the Brazilians will be left wondering about the bit o’ bad luck o’ the Irish. It might spill on them in Africa next summer, like it might spill on those, those... those.. arrrgh! - I hate to say the words – gauling Gallics! jacers, thinking of it - I’m giving meself the heebie jeebies!