Ireland v USA (Friendly match) Saturday 2 June 2018

Author: Mark Szczuka & Cillan O’Conchuir

Photos: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye)

Ireland scraped their way to a 2-1 victory over the USA at the Aviva Stadium as former Manchester United defender John O’Shea bid farewell to the international game in his 118th cap for the Irish.

In a lacklustre opening half, USA took the lead on the stroke of half-time when captain Will Trapp lifted a free-kick into the box from the right wing. Matt Miazga headed the ball across the goal, Irish keeper Colin Doyle stayed on his line and Bobby Wood nipped in to poke the ball home inside the six-yard box.

Ireland drew level 12 minutes after the break when a quick corner found Kevin Long at the back post. He headed it back across goal and after Darragh Lenihan’s effort was destined for the back of the net, Graham Burke got a touch on the line to claim his first senior international goal.

In a poor second-half Ireland found the winning goal in the final minute of normal time when James McClean easily beat the final defender having received the ball on the right side of the box. The West Brom player dragged the ball from his left to right, around the defender but Alan Judge nipped in to fire the ball home past Bill Hamid in the USA goal.

Martin O’Neill will see the blooding of a number of international players as crucial for the team going forward but their inability to create a large number of scoring opportunities will be a disappointment as Ireland look ahead to friendlies at the end of the year against Poland and Northern Ireland.