While the score of this game would suggest a United States dominance, the game was much closer than 3-1. The match was scoreless at halftime. Ireland scored first when Mick McCarthy headed in a cross from Steve Staunton in the 51st minute.
Although the game's score might indicate a U.S. victory, the actual match was much more competitive than that 3-1 margin suggests. The game remained scoreless at halftime before Ireland took the lead in the 51st minute.