Ireland

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 18th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Finished second in UEFA "Group 2" (7-0-3; 23 GF, 5 GA); defeated Iran in UEFA/Asian home-and-home playoff 2-1 on aggregate score.

2001 Overall Record: 7-1-2

World Cup final appearances: 3 - 1990 (9th), 1994 (16th), 2002

Overall Record in WC: 1-3-5

Record vs. U.S.: 3-2-2; 14 GF, 11 GA

Most Recent Match vs. U.S.: U.S. 1, Ireland 1 in Foxboro, Mass.; June 6, 2000 (Razov; Foley)

Manager: Mick McCarthy (IRE)

Key Players: Roy Keane (M, Manchester United), Robbie Keane (F, Leeds United), Matt Holland (Ipswich Town)

Fast Facts: Went undefeated in Group 2 qualifying play, including two draws against Portugal and a 1-0 home win against Holland. ... Surrendered just five goals in qualifying, the fourth-lowest total in Europe. ... Are making just their third World Cup appearance. ... Mick McCarthy's team is led by Roy and Robbie Keane (no relation), with Roy still patrolling the midfield for Manchester United and Robbie leading the strikeforce at Leeds United.