Gary Doherty capped a fairytale comeback by scoring the winner in the Republic of Ireland's 2-1 winner over fellow World Cup finalists the United States at Lansdowne Road tonight. The match looked destined for a draw when substitute Doherty headed home at the far post in the 83rd minute from a Steve Staunton free-kick on the right.
Doherty only returned to action last Saturday after breaking his ankle in September, coming off the bench for the final seven minutes of Tottenham's 1-1 draw with West Ham at White Hart Lane. Ireland had a dream start, taking the lead in the fourth minute on a pitch soaked by day-long rain. Fulham captain Steve Finnan made a powerful run down the right and his cross into the six-yard box was volleyed home by Charlton's Mark Kinsella for his third international goal.
Kinsella came within inches of scoring a second goal after 25 minutes. Robbie Keane's cross from the left saw Kinsella dive full length to head it home, but he just failed to connect and Jeff Agoos cleared. But the United States were not overawed and had already come close to scoring after eight minutes when Clint Mathis's 25-yard strike was tipped over the bar by Newcastle keeper Shay Given.
And in the 34th minute they equalised. John O'Brien curled in a cross from their left and Pope evaded Rory Delap to head firmly past beat Given into the far corner. Both teams made multiple changes at half-time, Ireland boss Mick McCarthy switching six of his players and Arena five.
Barely a minute into the second half a cross from Ireland substitute Steven Reid was headed into the arms of American keeper Kasey Keller on for Brad Friedel, by Delap. And in the 59th minute Keller was quickly off his line to save at the feet of David Connolly.
Doherty, looking to secure a last-ditch berth in Ireland's World Cup squad came on in the 70th minute for captain Gary Breen and 13 minutes later he was the toast of Dublin. Ireland have now lost just once in 20 previous matches and are unbeaten in their last 11 home games.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
