Brazil dance to samba style

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A glamour friendly against Brazil could hardly have come at a better time for the Republic's beleaguered officials but the promised sunshine football hardly flowed and only the Real Madrid striker could lift the gloom.

The Republic did not disgrace themselves with Kevin Doyle heading onto the roof of the net when the game was goalless and wide men Aiden McGeady and the returning Damien Duff both impressing.

But the Brazilians will jet off to warmer climes and leave caretaker boss Don Givens to face more searching questions about the attempts to find a successor to Steve Staunton.

The Republic almost grabbed the lead out of nothing in the 49th minute when Robbie Keane cut the Brazilian defence in two with a brilliant through-ball but it was just too strong for the clear Damien Duff and keeper Julio Cesar got their first.

And Givens' men enjoyed their best spell of the match just before the hour mark, with Stephen Kelly's right-wing cross setting up a chance for substitute Darren Potter who mis-kicked in a central position.

Leonardo Moura set up the onrushing Luis Fabiano only to see him shoot into the side-netting, before the visitors finally took the lead in typically effortless fashion in the 66th minute.

Diego swept forward on a counter-attacking move before playing in Robinho who tricked the retreating Lee Carsley before sending a delicate effort through the midfielder's legs and across Shay Given into the corner of the net.

The Republic rallied in the dying minutes with substitute Stephen Hunt almost playing in Keane before the Tottenham man found himself free in the six-yard box only for Julio Cesar to react quickest and save.