Shortly after Brazil’s dour scoreless draw with Mexico last week, a gang of kids lit a firework on a wide stretch of the pavement on Rua Das Laranjeiras in Rio.

So still no sign of the Brazil this country wants and needs then, rather signs that won’t take the sharpness off nerves before the real stuff starts against Chile at the weekend.

The heartbreaking way in which they lost last season’s Champions League final has helped Bayern Munich steel themselves for this campaign, according to manager Jupp Heynckes.

Republic of Ireland (Under-21) 1 (Portugal Under-21) 2

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho lamented the fact that his side had to play Barcelona in a critical match for the Primera Division just four days ago after they were beaten 3-1 by Bayern Munich on penalties.