A game played on a quagmire of a pitch in Dublin was never a pretty affair, but the grit and determination of Mick McCarthy`s side was there for all to see as they ground out a win.
An early effort by Mark Kinsella was cancelled out by Eddie Pope, but Tottenham defender Doherty marked his return to fitness with the winner.
Kinsella`s goal was one of the few highlights, as he acrobatically volleyed home from a flowing move that involved Rory Delap and Steve Finnan.
The Irish pride themselves on their solid defending, and McCarthy will have been disappointed by the slack way in which they allowed the USA to equalise.
Pope stole in virtually unchallenged to head past an exposed Shay Given.
McCarthy is sure to have warned his side at the interlude, and they were more solid after the break.
The greater effort after the interval was rewarded when Doherty, who has been out for most of the season with a broken leg, stole in at the far post to head home from a free-kick.
Click here for the exclusive Opta stats
Click here for more detailed information on the game
