Brazil warm up for their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Ireland

Updated on: 03 March,2010 07:42 AM IST |
AFP |

Brazil warm up for their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-0 win over Ireland

Brazil warm up for their World Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a 2-0 win over Ireland

Brazil midfielder Kaka (right) vies for possession with Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan during their international friendly at the Emirates Stadium in London yesterday. Pics/AFP

Dunga's side were playing their last serious match before kicking off their World Cup campaign against North Korea in Johannesburg on June 15 and, after a slow start, they gradually turned on the style at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

An own goal from Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews put the five-time World Cup winners ahead just before half-time and Robinho added the second after the break to cap a magical move.

For Ireland, facing Brazil was a painful reminder of what might have been as they returned to action for the first time since Thierry Henry's infamous handball set up the goal that sent France to South Africa at the expense of Giovanni Trapattoni's men.

It was also an historic occasion as goalkeeper Shay Given and defender Kevin Kilbane made their 103rd appearances for Ireland -- taking them ahead of Steve Staunton as their country's most capped players.

While Ireland were hoping to exorcise some demons, Brazil were looking to conclude their World Cup preparations by sending a warning to their rivals for the title.

But Dunga's policy of using tough-tackling midfielders like Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo ahead of the more flamboyant Ronaldinho showed he is still happier to rely on a pragmatic approach than worry about providing entertainment for Brazil's legion of fans.

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