Rhianna and the Boys from Brazil

What a pleasant surprise.

Last nights game, while not the best game in the world, was certainly more entertaining than I could have hoped.

As I sat in row H, regretting not listening to Rhianna and her sterling advice on wet weather protection, I thought there were enough signs of a good team there for a good manager to take them quite a distance.

We played our full XI last night, with only perhaps Steven Reid or Steven Ireland who might fit in ahead of Miller. Brazil were playing the game at a leisurely pace but their control of the ball and the natural touch and balance they all have was wonderful to see at close quarters.

But luckily we won't be playing the Boys from Brazil in our World Cup Group.

Italy are a tough task but a good result at home and you never know away from home if we could keep it tight at the back.

As for the rest we have more than enough to beat them. The team was confused in both selection and tactics under Staunton.

A manager who picks the right players, in the right position, with suitable tactics for the strengths we have will qualify this team.

Fingers crossed for Trap.

One last word on the fans last night, the Brazilians were fantastic. I was down near the Hill End (Or North Terrace as the FAI like to call it) and the Brazil fans in there sang, danced and played music for the full 90 minutes. In the rain. It was a memorable sight.

The FAI could have explained the Liam Whelan/Munich Tribute on the screen in Portuguese though. When they did pop up a message about it, it was in Irish so the Brazilians sang through the 30 seconds silence.

Just takes a bit of thinking lads!