Brazil Turn on Style to Beat Irish

It was a tale of two halves in Arsenal’s London stadium, with former Manchester City player Robinho scoring in each half.

The first 45 minutes started brightly for Ireland and included a chance for Robbie Keane within the first 10 minutes.

Kevin Doyle produced a great save out of Brazil keeper Julio Cesar with a header in the 16^th minute.

Ireland’s midfield stuck close to Brazil’s, and Keith Andrews’ constant hounding of Kaka even produced the petulant side of the Real Madrid star.

Damien Duff looked back to his best as he roamed down the left wing, aided by record breaker Kevin Kilbane, who made his 103^rd appearance for his country.

Goalkeeper Shay Given was also earning his 103^rd international cap. However it was slightly spoiled as he let in a Keith Andrews own goal before half time.

Déjà-vu of the devastation in Paris struck the Irish team as both the linesman and the referee failed to spot Robinho in an offside position in the lead up to the goal.

The players were left with that now all-too-familiar feeling, if not on the same level as Thierry Henry’s ‘hand of god’.

The second half was a different story as Brazil clicked into gear and completely outclassed Ireland, enjoying the vast majority of the possession.

Robinho celebrates scoring against Ireland

Paul McShane’s steady first half performance was quickly forgotten by both spectators and McShane himself as he looked nervous on the ball and shaky every time Brazil went forward.

Sean St. Ledger was caught in possession just outside his own area by Brazil substitute Daniel Alves who somehow put the ball wide of Given’s goal.

The inevitable second goal came in the 76^th minute as Brazil displayed their silky passing skills to move through the Ireland defence and allow Robinho to finish in style.

The game finished that way with Ireland lucky not to have conceded more and only a decent first half performance to be proud of.

The introduction of Wigan midfielder James McCarthy was perhaps the only other bright side – his inclusion in the squad guaranteeing his allegiance to Ireland over Scotland.

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3240821,00.html