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Trapattoni ready for Brazil

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 02/03/2010
Football betting

The Republic of Ireland have a high-profile friendly international against Brazil on Tuesday evening, with Giovanni Trapattoni's men looking to move on from their World Cup heartbreak.

Ireland's last game hit the headlines as France reached the World Cup finals in South Africa thanks to the infamous 'Hand of Henry' goal in the Stade de France.

That sparked worldwide chatter about a possible punishment for both former Arsenal legend Henry and France.

However, no FIFA sanctions came and Trapattoni must now lift his troops for the visit of the five-time world champions - with the game bizarrely being staged at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

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The Italian said after naming his squad for the showdown with the Selecao: "I look forward to working with my squad again after the disappointment of Paris.

"The priority now is to build on the progress made during the last campaign and prepare ourselves over the coming months mentally and tactically for an important Euro campaign.

"I am confident our players won't forget how we play against Italy and France (in the last qualifying campaign)."

Manchester City defender Greg Cunningham and Portsmouth centre-back Marc Wilson have both been handed first senior call-ups, as has Wigan Athletic midfielder James McCarthy, who is clearly held in high regard by Trapattoni.

"It's important we see his quality, his personality," Trapattoni added. "He is fast and has good technique. It's important I see him on the pitch, face-to-face."

Manchester United defender John O'Shea misses out due to a leg injury, while a knee injury may also keep record goalscorer Robbie Keane on the sidelines.

Brazil head to the English capital with two former Arsenal players among their ranks, in Gilberto Silva of Panathinaikos and Roma's Julio Baptista.

Head coach Dunga almost has an embarrassment of riches to choose from, with AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinho unable to secure a recall.

Also well-known to fans of English football will be former Manchester City midfielder Elano, who now plies his trade in Turkey with Galatasaray and Robinho, who is currently on loan with Santos after falling out of favour with the Citizens.

Brazil's last game was a 1-0 friendly win over England in November last year, with Villarreal frontman Nilmar netting the only goal of a cagey encounter in Qatar.

Prior to that, Dunga's side ended their World Cup qualifying campaign with a goalless draw at home to Venezuela and a 2-1 defeat in Bolivia, so their form is far from faultless.

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