Handy Andy makes his case for slot beside Cunningham
The Newcastle United defender found it difficult to hide his real feelings when he spoke on the eve of the match of the need to be patient in his efforts to break into the team, but now he has a genuine claim to be regarded as first-choice next time out.
O'Brien was first capped by Ireland against Estonia on June 6, 2001. In the meantime his appearances have been few and far between and he was making only his ninth international appearance against Brazil.
Now aged 24, he is entering what should be the best part of his career. His highly intensive approach to the task of coping with the best attack in football proved just how keen he is to enjoy it as a regular first-choice player with Ireland.
O'Brien has always had to cope with people doubting his ability to play at the top level. When he joined Newcastle United he was on his way out of the Premiership with a poor Bradford team and there was no queue of clubs waiting to secure his services.
He suffered because he was not particularly tall for a defender and this lack of a formidable physical presence dictates the way he plays. He cannot always dominate in the air and his greatest asset is his ability to retrieve apparently lost causes.
He is exceptionally quick on the first five yards and in this regard is superior to the other Irish candidates. His tackle on Kaka in injury time to avert an almost certain goal identified his real strength.
The match also helped to confirm the potential residing in the slight frame of Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid. It would have been ridiculous to expect him to play as well as he had done on his debut against Canada and he enjoyed limited success against Brazil.
He still managed to show his good technique, his pace and his confidence in picking out the most effective pass and his impact on the Irish performance was very encouraging.
Shay Given has been so consistent with Ireland that we tend to take his excellence for granted. He had one let off when a shot from Ronaldo rebounded off his feet and Ronaldinho struck the crossbar from the rebound but otherwise he stood up manfully to Brazil's second half pressure.
Overall Brian Kerr had plenty of reasons to be satisfied with the evening's work. His team was hard-working and disciplined and clearly each player understood his role.
The good work of Kevin Kilbane and Graham Kavanagh in central midfield identified some new options for the Irish manager without establishing that either must be a first choice next time out.
Kavanagh passes the ball well but one wonders whether his lack of pace will tell on another day. Kilbane, as always, was a vigorous and committed force.
How soon, one wonders, before he is given a run at left-back where his athleticism and strength in the air might be best employed. His employment here would release John O'Shea who played well against Brazil without proving this is his best position.
The challenge of playing the World champions was a huge motivation for the Irish who, once again, proved they need to work flat out to accomplish something worthwhile. The challenge for Kerr will be to provoke the same level of application when the World Cup qualifying matches kick off.
The promotion was a huge organisational success for the FAI. Despite the heavy financial guarantee demanded by Brazil, the FAI confidently expect a profit on the night of €200,000.
This was helped by substantial TV fees and by a total sellout of the match programmes, some 20,000 copies. The good vibes created by the enhanced entertainment package of the FAI not least the presentation of a new car to one lucky programme holder should have a very positive spin-off for the future.
The marketing ploy of combining this match with future challenges in Dublin against the Czech Republic and Romania should net the Association accumulated profits of about €1.5 million.
The FAI CEO, Mr Fran Rooney, commented: "Supporters want more than just 90 minutes and we're working hard to provide the sort of added value that will make our match experience among the most attractive on offer in Ireland."
He added: "There is no doubt that the sense of occasion was exceptional and the supporters deserve great credit for helping to create the colour and noise which makes a home match for our team very special."
The Brazilian management team expressed their satisfaction with the promotion at the post-match reception. And, they responded positively when the FAI Hon. Treasurer, Mr John Delaney, suggested to them they might return to play Ireland again in 2008 in a match to mark the opening of the planned new stadium.
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