Friendly International: Republic of Ireland 0 Brazil 1

Goalscorer Robinho (right) is congratulated by team-mate Diego

"We were missing a few players tonight who will be big players, so I think he's got something to work with. "We contained them for long periods, plus we gave them some problems as well." Givens was particularly heartened by the performance of Damien Duff after his 10 months out of the national set-up with a knee injury. "We all know how good Damien is and to have him back to his best - which he's close to now - is great. "We're a small nation and we need our best players and Damien's definitely one of those." Caretaker Boss - Don Givens

By Citizen Correspondent Sir Stephen

Date Posted: 02/06/08

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Robinho's second-half goal helped Brazil beat the Republic of Ireland in Wednesday's friendly at Croke Park.

The Republic had plenty of early possession but Shay Given superbly denied Josue as Brazil started to look dangerous before half-time.

Given came to Ireland's rescue again with a great save to deny Fabiano. Robinho's delightful finish put Brazil ahead on 67 minutes and despite some late Irish huff and puff, the visitors held on to claim the victory.

Brazil's stronger than expected starting line-up included two Barclays Premier League stars in Alex of Chelsea and captain Gilberto of Arsenal. Aiden McGeady made a promising start for the Republic with his pace causing problems for Brazilian full-back Leonardo Moura.

Sloppy play by Liam Miller then forced Lee Carsley to foul Robinho on the edge of the Republic box but Given easily saved Diego's free-kick. Brazil had a penalty claim in the 15th minute although replays appeared to show that Richard Dunne had not caught Diego in the box.

The home side had plenty of possession in the opening 20 minutes but poor crossing, with Damien Duff guilty on a couple of occasions, meant that the visitors were under little threat.

As the first half wore on, Brazil began to look more threatening thanks to their slick passing, although the Irish were getting bodies in the way at the crucial moments. Given had to make a sharp save at his near post to deny Josue in the 37th-minute after clever play from Robinho.

The Republic made a promising start to the second half with Keane's clever ball almost sending Duff in the clear before Julio Cesar gathered. McGeady then should have been able to release the charging Duff but the Celtic man delayed his pass and the Newcastle winger found himself offside.