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Houghton’s Half-Volley Gives Ireland 1-0 Win Over Italy

6/26/2026

45 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Irish forward Ray Houghton’s half-volley gave the Republic of Ireland a 1-0 victory over Italy at Giants Stadium.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca and his teammates trained in New Jersey before the match.
U.S. forward Eric Wynalda scored a free-kick into the top corner at the Pontiac Silverdome after a late-night practice.
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter called to say the opening-round match was sold out and officials were flabbergasted.

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Story summary

Irish forward Ray Houghton’s half-volley gave the Republic of Ireland a 1-0 victory over Italy at Giants Stadium.
Italian goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca and his teammates trained in New Jersey before the match.
U.S. forward Eric Wynalda scored a free-kick into the top corner at the Pontiac Silverdome after a late-night practice.
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter called to say the opening-round match was sold out and officials were flabbergasted.