Republic of Ireland 0 - 2 Brazil: Robinho on target as luck deserts Irish again

THE Republic of Ireland were out of luck once again as an own goal from Keith Andrews set Brazil on their way to a 2-0 victory at Emirates Stadium.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men had controversially missed out on a World Cup place in South Africa this summer following a play-off defeat to France, where Thierry Henry handled the ball in the lead up to Les Bleus' winning goal.

There was more misfortune in last night's glamour friendly against the five-time world champions, as just before half-time Andrews deflected Robinho's centre past Shay Given – winning a new record 103rd cap along with defender Kevin Kilbane – and the former Manchester City striker then netted a well-executed second with 14 minutes left.

Ireland made a bright start and captain Robbie Keane – taking his place in the starting XI after initially pulling out of the squad because of a slight knee injury – saw his low shot smothered at the near post by Julio Cesar.

But Brazil took the lead a minute before the break. Robinho looked offside when he dashed into the area, before pulling a low pass back across goal, which Andrews deflected past Given.

The on-loan Santos striker slotted home a text-book second after good work from Kaka and a neat one-two with substitute Grafite.

Republic of Ireland: Given, Kelly, St Ledger, McShane, Kilbane, Lawrence (McCarthy 69), Whelan (Gibson 56), Andrews, Duff (McGeady 56), Doyle (Best 78), Keane. Subs not used: Westwood, Brian Murphy, Foley, Wilson, Stokes, Cunningham, Long.

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon (Carlos Eduardo 84), Lucio (Luisao 82), Juan, Michel Bastos, Ramires (Dani Alves 64), Silva, Felipe Melo, Kaka, Adriano (Grafite 64), Robinho (Nilmar 77). Subs not used: Doni, Thiago Silva, Gilberto, Josue, Julio Baptista, Kleberson.

Attendance: 40,082. Referee: M Dean (Eng).