Another significant milestone will be reached in the rich history of Croke Park when the Republic of Ireland entertain Brazil in an international friendly next February.
The Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) today confirmed they will play in Dublin, four years after the South American stars last played in the capital.
While the game was long rumoured to take place, the FAI only confirmed the February 6th contest this afternoon – hours after the announcement was made on Brazilian FA’s official website.
FAI chief executive officer John Delaney said the game against the five-time World Cup winners would take place "subject to final agreement on terms with the GAA".
"We are fully committed to bringing some of the finest teams in the world to Dublin and giving our fans the opportunity to see Ireland in action against the game’s top players," he said.
Brazil last played a friendly against Ireland in February 2004 when manager Carlos Alberto Parreira brought his side to take on Brian Kerr’s men at the old Lansdowne Road.
Had Robbie Keane been more clinical in front of goal the home side might well have recorded a famous victory, but instead they had to settle for a credible 0-0 draw.
Four years on and next February’s fixture is likely to be the first game in charge for the new senior manager.
Although the FAI have yet to fill the position, it is anticipated they will have found Steve Staunton’s successor by then.
Although no other friendly fixtures have been confirmed, it is believed the FAI are also hopeful of securing lucrative exhibition matches next spring against World Champions Italy and Argentina.
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