A late strike from Robinho secured a 2-0 victory vs Ireland, who fought bravely in front of 40,082 spectators., which included the England manager, Fabio Capello.

Brazil showed their menace in the second half and Robinho was central to the cut and thrust. "Robinho is a lot happier now that he has left Manchester City and gone back to Brazil and Santos," said Dunga. "You can see that he is happy again."

Brazil needed a stroke of fortune to take a lead into the interval. After Kakï had found Maicon, the full-back played in Robinho, who had broken from an offside position but escaped the flag. His low cross was diverted past Shay Given by Andrews. Brazil, however, changed up impressively through the gears in the second half. FC Barcelona's Daniel Alves missed a sitter moments after coming on while Robinho threatened twice before he got the goal that he deserved, a curled finish following Grafite's flick. Ireland had no answers. Brazil and Robinho will travel to South Africa with confidence.