Brazil produced a breath-taking second-half performance as they ran-out 2-0 winners over the Republic of Ireland in their friendly international at the Emirates Stadium. Giovanni Trapttoni’s side upstaged their more illustrious opponents for the majority of the opening half, with Robbie Keane, Damien Duff and Kevin Doyle all forcing good saves from Julio Cesar. But the South American giants took the lead just before the break when Robinho was adjudged to be on-side and his low cross was deflected past Shay Given by Keith Andrews. Ireland were second-best for the rest of the game, with Kaka, Dani Alves and Robinho running their opponents ragged. They created a number of goal-scoring chances, but only manged to convert one of them as Robinho bagged the man-of-the-match award when he applied the finish to a scintillating attacking move. The only silver-lining for Giovanni Trapattoni was the international debut for James McCarthy, who came off the bench in the second-half to win his first cap. After the game Glen Whelan and Kevin Doyle gave their opinions on the match.

 
This Friday night the new Airtricity League will begin with games taking place right across the country, among the games taking place is a massive clash between League and EA Sports Cup Champions Bohemians and FAI Cup Champions and new Premier side Sporting Fingal. Today Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon Spoke Exclusively to Sportspeak’s chief Soccer Correspondent Daniel “Pitchside” Pitcher on how his preparations are going for Friday’s big opener.

 
DCU captain Paddy Andrews spoke to Sportspeak’s Cóilín Duffy after his sides 1-11 to 0-10 Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup final win over UCC in Leixlip this afternoon.

DCU led by 0-6 to 0-3 at half-time, and despite David Goold and Seamus Hayes being influential on the restart for UCC a 40th minute goal from Meath’s Brian Sheridan kept DCU ahead and take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

 
This Saturday Ireland will face England in a crucial RBS Six Nations match in Twickenham. Sportspeak caught up with Jamie Heaslip who admitted that whether or not its a competitive game every player wants to be in a team to face England and that whether people like rugby or not, it’s the one game everyone in the country will be interested in watching. He also spoke of his excitement about playing Twickenham.

 
Donncha O’Callaghan has returned to full fitness and has been named in Declan Kidney’s team to play England on Saturday. He told Sportspeak that he was delighted and honoured to be back playing in a green jersey. Donncha also spoke about his long time friend and team mate John Hayes who joins the ranks of rugby’s test centurions. O’Callaghan  told Sportspeak that Hayes “Would rather be off milking his cows” than being the centre of attention;

 
Ireland head coach Declan Kidney yesterday made four changes from the side who were hammered by France. for this weekends must win game with England. Donncha O’ Callaghan comes back into the team for the first time this year meaning Leo Cullen drops to the bench. Rory Best comes in at hooker for the suspended Jerry Flannery. Jonathan Sexton wins the number 10 shirt after his impressive performance for Leinster on Saturday, meaning O’ Gara drops to the bench. Finally on the Bench is Connachts Sean Cronin who has been named for the first time in the Six Nations Championship. Kidney explains his selections.

 
Leinster tonight defeated The Scarlets at the RDS. There were players like Sexton, Reddan and Horgan who wanted to impress the watching Irish head coach Declan Kidney, But another man battling for a place on the Irish team was Shane Jennings who spoke to Sportspeak and said how much of a distraction it is if you think about the people watching you.

 
Leinster climbed second in the Magners League With a 27-14 win over The Scarlets tonight at the RDS and Michael Cheika admitted he was happy with how his team performed considering they hadn’t played a club game since before the new year. He also gave his thoughts on how Johnathon Sexton Performed.

Bohemians gave Dundee United permission last night to speak to manager Pat Fenlon about the vacant role at  
Tannadice, but will demand over €280,000 to release him from his contact at Dalymount Park.  Fenlon has three years left on a four-year deal with the Dublin club, with Conway telling the BBC that they want in excess of €280,000 to let Fenlon leave. Reports earlier on Tuesday claimed that Fenlon has already spoken to Dundee United and as Conway stated, it remains to be seen if the Scottish club are just looking to formally interview Fenlon or offer him the job.

Last Night Sportspeak’s Chief soccer hack Pitchside Pitcher spoke to Bohemians media pro Brian Trench to see if he could clear up any confusion still lingering.