The Republic of Ireland are 1-0 down to Brazil at halftime after a Keith Andrews o.g. gave the Samba men a scarcely deserved halftime advantage.

Ireland looked bright and eager in the first half with Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle full of movement.

Kevin Doyle had a good header saved by Julio Cesar and the game had a few other half chances until bad luck struck the Irish twice in the 44th minute.

Robinho seemed to be in an offside position when played through and when the on loan Santos player crossed low, Keith Andrews could only divert the ball past keeper Shay Given for the only goal of the first half.