Robinho's 65th-minute strike was the only goal at chilly Croke Park as Brazil sent the Republic of Ireland back to the harsh reality of their increasingly frustrating managerial hunt.

A glamour friendly against Brazil could hardly have come at a better time for the Republic's beleaguered officials but the promised sunshine football hardly flowed and only the Real Madrid striker could lift the gloom.

The Republic did not disgrace themselves with Kevin Doyle heading onto the roof of the net when the game was goalless and wide men Aiden McGeady and the returning Damien Duff both impressing.

Ireland caretaker boss Don Givens refused to discuss the search for a new manager after the game.

He said: "We lost the match tonight. I spoke about the process on Sunday and I won't be speaking about it again until the end of the week."

However, Givens insists the new man will inherit a talented squad of players after watching the way his side came close to getting something out of the game against a strong Brazil line-up.

"We have got a decent mixture of experienced professionals and promising young players so I think he'll be quite happy when he comes."

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