Robinho on target as Brazil defeat Ireland in friendly

Robinho scored one goal and set up the other on his return to England as he led five-times world champions Brazil to a 2-0 win over Ireland in a friendly at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Brazil took the lead when a cross by striker Robinho from the right was turned into his own net from close range by Keith Andrews one minute before halftime.  

Substitute Daniel Alves should have doubled the lead after the break when he rounded Ireland keeper Shay Given and shot wide of the empty net.  

Robinho, who ended an unhappy spell with Manchester City by returning home to join former club Santos on loan in January, added a second on 76 minutes with a neat side-footed finish following a quick passing move involving Kaka and Grafite.

Ireland matched Brazil in the first half but the South Americans were completely on top in the second period, with Robinho and Kaka combining particularly well.

Brazil begin their World Cup challenge when they face Group G rivals North Korea in Johannesburg on June 15. They then face Ivory Coast five days later and Portugal on June 25.

Ireland were playing their first game since their World Cup qualification dreams ended in despair in November when France claimed a controversial playoff victory.