Robinho ran wild through the Irish Wednesday in Dublin as Brazil rolled to a 2-0 victory in front of 40,000. This was one of those big matches for Ireland as they were dismissed in the playoff final for a World Cup spot this summer. Instead all they will get are some high profile friendlies against other countries preparing for their South Africa trip.
Wednesday Brazil came calling with their travelling soccer road show of flare and creativity. The Irish hung tough, but everyone knew it was just a matter of when not if Brazil would break through. After several probing runs from Robinho in the opening half he would produce the break through in the 44th minute.
Robinho cruised into the deep right of the Irish penalty area and slid a ball on the ground headed for the back post. As Ireland keeper Shea Given dove outward to claim the ball, defender Keith Andrews slid toward goal to cut off the cross. Unfortunately the ball slipped off Andrews and into the empty net for an own goal. Brazil would lead 1-0 at the half and the Robinho show had 45 minutes to go.
Ireland would not go without chances though. Robbie Keane would force Julio Cesar into action in the Brazilian goal while Damien Duff was a thorn in their side all evening. The night would belong to Robinho though as in the 76th minute he provided the exclamation point as he scored the 2nd.
It was very clear Robinho was on another level tonight. It is hard to understand how he failed in the EPL with his creativity and darting runs, but he is obviously happier playing at Santos now.
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