Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva was carried off on a stretcher in the 14th minute after failing to recover from Graham Kavanagh's reckless sliding tackle as the Republic of Ireland held Brazil.
That injury put a dampener on the party atmosphere at Lansdowne Road, and a competitive first half ended goalless - which would certainly have suited Brian Kerr's Boys in Green.
It may have taken 41 minutes before the first real glimpse of Ronaldo, but when it came it was impressive as he surged forward and cut in from the left before firing a 20-yard shot just wide of Given's far post.
If only Clinton Morrison had been on a similar level a minute later as he broke clear but hit a tame drive from 25 yards. Brazil captain Cafu marked his 121st cap with the first booking of the night, in the 45th minute, for a push on Reid.
Ireland pushed forward Steve Carr was denied a memorable goal as he cut in from the right and saw his shot from six yards rebound off Dida's legs.