Robbie rescues Hiroshima match

Sanfrecce Hiroshima 1 Republic of Ireland 2

Ireland’s World Cup preparations took another turn for the worse as Jason McAteer suffered a knee injury which could yet force him out of the tournament.

Team-mate Kevin Kilbane hobbled off with an ankle injury, but is not thought to be seriously injured.

The absence of former skipper Roy Keane - axed from the squad on Thursday - was almost forgotten as McAteer was the victim of a reckless sliding challenge after 35 minutes which left him with strained medial ligaments in his left knee.

Kilbane joined him in the treatment room after 61 minutes when he hurt himself in a tackle.

Ireland conceded a sloppy free header after 37 minutes, but were rescued by two goals from Robbie Keane.