Post by Taxigirl on Feb 18, 2004 11:32:19 GMT
Wednesday, 18 February
Dublin, Kick-off 1930 GMT
The visit of world champions Brazil to Dublin marks the start of the Republic of Ireland's preparations for next season's World Cup qualifiers.
Manager Brian Kerr has warned Irish fans not to expect too much as he wants to experiment in friendly games.
Kerr is expected to give fringe players some action on Wednesday.
"There will be lads playing who will not have played an awful lot of matches for us in the past," said the Republic of Ireland manager.
"This is a special sort of friendly game but we must remember it is only part of our build up in the hope of qualifying for the next World Cup.
"The focus must be our opening game against Cyprus in the qualifying campaign in Dublin next September.
"If we can get a positive result against Brazil, well and good, but we may have to take some hits in games in order to give players the chance to impress."
Everton midfielder Kevin Kilbane said the game was a good test ahead of the qualifying campaign in which the Republic play France.
"To play against Brazil is a boyhood dream for everybody," said Kilbane.
"They have got tremendously talented players, and I hope it will be a good spectacle for everybody.
"You want to test yourself against the best players in the world, because that is what we are going to face against France."
Charlton Athletic midfielder Matt Holland is the injury doubt for the Irish. He jarred his neck in training on Monday and did not take part in Tuesday's preparations.
The Republic will face a full-strength Brazil side including Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos.
Coach Carlos Parreira said he would stick with his best line-up because the World Champions had so little time before next month's 2006 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.
"I like to play the same team in every game because the games are our only time together.
"We came in on Monday and have only had one training session so we have to keep the same team," Parreira said of a squad mainly based at European clubs.
The Brazilian coach says he is an admirer of the Irish team.
"I have seen many games and I like Ireland. They play like a team and don't rely on one player."
The starting eleven Parreira has selected includes eight players that played in the 2002 World Cup Final against Germany.
The three new additions, Bayern Munich's Ze Roberto, and AC Milan pair Dida and Kaka are fast becoming first choices.
Brazil: Dida (AC Milan); Cafu (AC Milan), Roque Junior (Siena), Lucio (Bayer Leverkusen), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid); Kleberson (Manchester United), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Ze Roberto (Bayern Munich), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Kaka (AC Milan), Ronaldo (Real Madrid)