Samba Boys up for 'serious friendly'

EVERYTHING is right in football when Brazil are in possession of the World Cup but with the status of champions comes a responsibility says Carlos Alberto Parreira.

The Brazilian manager insists tonight's Lansdowne Road friendly is a serious affair.

"When you are world champions, every game is serious," he said. "Even if it is only a friendly, it is part of our preparation for the World Cup qualifiers, and we need any chance to prepare for those games.

"All of our players are based in Europe so whenever we are together like this, it is very important because they are only a few chances to prepare for the World Cup."

There was a pantomime atmosphere to yesterday's training session, including some superb one-touch football and a closing bow from the Brazilians. The excitement got the better of some kids with two attempted pitch invasions, one young fella cheekily dispossessing Roque Junior.

It is something Parreira has learnt to accept: wherever his team travel, everyone wants a piece of them.

"Everyone knows about Brazil, and everyone is excited when they come to play. We have to play each game with the same attitude. Every game is like the game of our lives. If we don't play with that attitude in each game we would be in trouble because everyone wants to beat us."

Parreira sees tonight's clash as an important step in Brazil's long road to defending the World Cup and winning it for a sixth time in Germany. Having to qualify for the first time as holders, Brazil have already played four games, their last results were two unimpressive draws against Peru and Uruguay.

"Obviously, the weather conditions will be a lot different in South America, but I see this as an important game as we look to the qualifiers. We are going to build a team to defend the World Cup in Germany and this game is part of the building process."

Milan star Kaka looked especially perturbed by the fresh spring breeze in Ballsbridge yesterday, even the disappearance of his gloved hands into his sleeves did little to stop his shivering.

Ronaldo was enjoying himself, even if the couple of sitters he missed were greeted with ironic cheers. One reporter wondered about his much-documented battle of the bulge.

"I do not think Ronaldo is over-weight," Parreira countered. "He is stronger now than he was before and that helps our team."

In the 1994 World Cup, Parreira invented the role of a midfield holder for Mauro Silva. It is the role Arsenal's Gilberto Silva will play tonight.

"This is a special occasion for the Brazilian team. Ireland have shown themselves to be a good team, so it will be a big test for us," he said.

One aspect of the Irish play Parreira hopes will be utilised tonight is the high ball into the box.

"We concede a lot of goals from the high ball so this is something we want to work on," said the 61-year-old Brazilian manager. "Ireland are a very competitive side but we will try to impose our own style on them."

During the session Ronaldinho volleyed home a beautiful Gilberto cross-field ball should we be treated to football of a similar quality tonight, the price of admission to all three friendlies will have been worth it.