Record-equalling Quinn gives Irish win

Jason McAteer battles with South Africa's Delron Buckley

Republic of Ireland 2-1 South Africa

Niall Quinn became his country's joint leading goal-scorer as he helped the Republic of Ireland finish as runners-up in the US Cup after a workmanlike victory over South Africa in Giants Stadium, New Jersey

. A blunder from South African keeper Andre Arendse, who failed to keep out a Stephen McPhail corner, and Quinn's towering header enabled the Republic to overturn a 14th-minute deficit.

The goal gave Quinn 20 international goals, equalling Frank Stapleton's record.

The Irish - who finished the tournament unbeaten - struggled in the heat and humidity and fell behind to a wonderfully-crafted goal by the South Africans.

Captain Shaun Bartlett exchanged passes with Celta Vigo striker Benni McCarthy before toe-poking the ball beyond Shay Given's despairing dive.

Quinn: Record-equalling goal-scorer

The Republic almost fell further behind twice before Arendse's blunder brought the sides level two minutes before the interval.

McPhail swung in a vicious, curling corner from the right and the Oxford keeper only managed to palm the ball into the net via the crossbar, under pressure from Quinn.

Then came Sunderland forward Quinn's record-equalling moment, meeting Mark Kennedy's deep 68th-minute free-kick from the right beyond the far post and looping a header over the static Arendse.

Gary Breen protected the lead in the dying seconds of the game, guiding Patrick Mayo's shot away from goal with Given beaten.

Earlier in the day in the same stadium, USA captured the US Cup for the first time since 1995 following an impressive 3-0 win over Mexico.