Post by Taxigirl on Feb 19, 2004 11:07:36 GMT
The Republic of Ireland produced a battling display to hold world champions Brazil in Wednesday's friendly at Lansdowne Road.
Stephen Carr and Robbie Keane missed the Republic's best chances on either side of half time, but the visitors also squandered several opportunities.
Ronaldo struck a shot inches wide in the first half after a darting run.
The striker was then denied by Shay Given after half time, while Ronaldinho also hit the woodwork.
Clinton Morrison got through a mountain of work, setting up his striker partner Keane on a number of occasions.
Cardiff's Graham Kavanagh, determined to impress, put in a reckless challenge on Gilberto Silva early on and the Arsenal player departed soon after.
In the 11th minute, the ball fell to Andy O'Brien on the edge of the six-yard box but his shot rebounded off Roque Junior over the crossbar.
From the resulting corner, John O'Shea's powerful header was unconvincingly blocked on the line by goalkeeper Dida but O'Brien's follow-up went over the crossbar.
However, Brazil gradually began to cause the Irish problems with Cafu getting in a number of dangerous right-wing crosses.
Just before the half-hour mark, Roberto Carlos hammered a typical long-range effort wide.
The Irish finally managed an attack of their own in the 33rd minute but Keane skied his finish over the top after he had skilfully controlled a Matt Holland cross.
Ronaldo was inches away from opening the scoring in the 42nd minute after gliding past two Irish defenders and producing a curling shot which beat Given.
A minute later, Carr had a great opportunity at the other end but Dida did brilliantly to deflect the ball over the bar.
Carr's Tottenham team-mate Keane had an even better chance nine minutes after the break but the striker headed over the bar from point-blank range after good work by Morrison.
Ronaldo should have put the visitors ahead 16 minutes from time when he broke clear of the Irish defence but Given did well to block the shot.
From the rebound Ronaldinho clipped the Irish crossbar as the Brazilians started to pepper the Irish goal, with Roberto Carlos just wide with another effort from distance.
Right at the death, Andy O'Brien produced a marvellous last-ditch intervention when Ronaldo seemed certain to have an open goal.
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Rep of Ireland: Given, Carr, Cunningham, O'Brien, O'Shea, Andy Reid (McAteer 64), Holland, Kavanagh, Kilbane, Keane, Morrison.
Subs Not Used: Finnan, Doherty, Harte, Kenny, Carsley, Delap, Connolly, Lee, Stack.
Booked: Kavanagh.
Brazil: Dida, Cafu, Lucio, Roque Junior, Carlos, Kleberson (Julio Baptista 45), Ronaldinho, Silva (Edmilson 14), Kaka, Ze Roberto, Ronaldo.
Subs Not Used: Marcos, Belletti, Juan, Junior, Rochemback, Juninho Paulista, Fabiano, Adriano.
Booked: Cafu, Roque Junior.
Attendance: 44,000.
Referee: Anders Frisk (Sweden).
