Second half goals from Ronan Kerin and Derek Walsh were enough to secure the win for Ireland in China.

The game was played a high tempo throughout with the first half proving to be a tight affair and both teams creating numerous chances. 

Within 10 minutes of the second half Kerin opened the scoring for Ireland with a cool finish. 

USA were forced to attack and changed formation, switching to three at the back in an effort to get something from the game.

The Defence Forces continued to be a threat with pacy attackers in Sean Gannon and Walsh causing problems to the USA backline.

And it was the latter who found the crucial second goal that allowed Ireland to see the game out.

The victory leaves Ireland in third position in the Group 1 point behind group leaders Algeria and Qatar after their game finished 1-1. 

Attention for the team now turns to Sunday's final group game against Qatar in which Ireland will look to secure qualification to the quarter finals.

Ireland: Deegan, Doran, Delaney (Gannon 44), Guerin, O'Riordan (Keane 70), Kenny, Rafferty, Kerin (Dempsey 55), Walsh.

Substitutes: McCann, Fogarty, Long, Smith, Dillon, Craig Shortt