Ireland’s Samba party on hold

THE FAI have moved to dampen down expectations of a glamour friendly against Brazil next year after the South Americans’ manager, Dunga, appeared to jump the gun by announcing a game would take place between the two nations in Dublin on March 3.

Dunga made the comment while talking to reporters in Rio De Janeiro yesterday but, while not denying that there has been contact between the two football associations regarding such a fixture, the FAI were quick to stress that confirmation of the game was a long way off.

In a statement, the FAI said: “In relation to Brazilian manager Dunga’s comments regarding the possibility of a friendly match between the Republic of Ireland and Brazil, the FAI wishes to clarify that negotiations are at a very preliminary stage and this match is by no means a certainty. The FAI is also waiting on the outcome of the World Cup draw, which may lead to the possibility of other friendly matches.”