Brazil included eight of the eleven players who played in the World Cup final in their starting line-up, but could not break down a resolute Ireland defence to the delight of the full house at Lansdowne Road.

The eager-to-impress City midfielder took some of the headlines, with a crunching tackle on Arsenal's Gilberto Silva who had to be substituted after only 14 minutes. Following the tackle from Cardiff's captain, Silva could miss Arsenal's crunch Premiership clash with fellow title contenders Chelsea.

"It wasn't a nasty or malicious challenge, but I apologise if he is injured." said Kavanagh after the game.

"The ball was there to be won and I thought, is he going to go for it or isn't he?. I made my mind up to go for it and I hit him and the ball.

"We know it's Brazil but you don't want to show them too much respect because you don't want to fear them."

Both teams squandered several opportunities to break the deadlock, with Stephen Carr and Robbie Keane going close for the Irish either side of half-time. Ronaldo had the best chance for the visitors, striking his shot inches wide after a mazy run through the Republic defence only minutes before the break.

Unlike a lot of international friendlies these days, both sides took the match very seriously and there was a competitive nature throughout. The result is an excellent one for Ireland, and will work as a morale booster for the players and the supporters after a dismal European Championship qualification campaign.

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.

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.

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