Kaka and Robinho
There was more misfortune in Tuesday's glamour friendly against the five-time world champions, as just before half time Andrews deflected Robinho's centre past Shay Given - winning a new record 103rd cap along with defender Kevin Kilbane - and the former Manchester City striker then netted a well-executed second with 14 minutes left.
While Brazil coach Dunga can look forward to fine-tuning the final preparations for his squad's opening game against North Korea in Johannesburg on June 15, the Irish will once again be left to reflect on what might have been - but on tonight's battling performance should go into the qualifying campaign for the 2012 European Championships with genuine optimism.
It had been a bright start by Ireland, with captain Robbie Keane - taking his place in the starting XI after initially pulling out of the squad because of a slight knee injury - got away down the right and ghosted back inside before his low shot was smothered at the near post by Julio Cesar.
If the Brazilians thought they would be in for an easy ride, they were given a sharp wake-up call when Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan checked the run of Michel Bastos. Damien Duff, the Fulham winger, looked dangerous down the left channel, while Paul McShane headed over from a corner.
Brazil, though, continued in their fluid formation, as Kaka weaved his way into the Ireland box before being dispossessed on the goal-line and then drilling a 20-yard shot just over.
It was Ireland, however, who almost snatched the lead on 15 minutes when Kevin Doyle's close-range header was palmed away by the Brazil keeper.
Only some desperate defending then kept the yellow shirts at bay after Robinho fed Adriano on the edge of the box. The Flamengo forward was tackled by Stephen Kelly before McShane blocked the follow-up effort from the former City striker.
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