THE DERBY of NEW YORK CITY

Italy v Republic of Ireland: World cup first round:
18th June 1994:

The Irish come first. A ragged exodus, desolated by famine and dreaming of a better life they travelled to America. Then the Italians, two million alone from Naples chanced their hand on a fool's dream, cramming the decks of steamships that sailed past the statue of liberty to dock at Ellis Island in New York harbour.

They were promised fame and fortune but found neither. There were no streets paved with gold, only terrible hardship as future generations of Irish and Italian immigrants sweated blood to help build what became the most famous city in the world. Amidst the great struggles fierce rivalries were forged.

From the old worlds a love of football endured and on a sweltering New Jersey afternoon in 1994 at the Giant's stadium, Italy and the Republic of Ireland clashed in World cup competition. Billed as the ultimate showdown, tickets changed hands on the black market for up to two thousand dollars.

At stake was not just vital points but for the winner eternal bragging points. A prize beyond words. It was expected the larger local Italian population would easily outnumber the Irish but the opposite occurred with the Giant's terraces transformed into an emerald green sea.

The Italians lost the battle on the terraces in what was an extraordinary show of support for Jack Charlton's team. After just eleven minutes Ireland went in front. An uncharacteristic headed error from legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi let in Republic veteran Ray Houghton.

The Irish midfielder chested the ball down and lashed an unexpected, looping volley over stranded goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca high into the net. Across the stadium Irish joy was unrestrained. Deemed underdogs against a much lauded Italy they drew first blood in the Derby of New York city.