Republic of Ireland 2 United States 1

On a pitch close to unplayable the Irish Republic continued their good recent run with a narrow win over the US.

Heavy rain in Dublin drenched the Dublin pitch to at least give both sides experience of Asian monsoon conditions which could hit the World Cup in Jube.

The US responded well to an early set back Rory Delap and Steve Finan combined down the left wing to cross for Mark Kinsella to head in at the near post.

In the 35th minute Eddie Pope equalised when he was missed at a corner by Kinsella and headed in from close range but the home team continued to carry a threat with Damien Duff and Robbie Keane working well as a pair in attack.

Gary Dohery won the game in the 83rd minute when he headed in at the far post after a driven free kick from substitute Steve Staunton.