The United States opened their 2014 World Cup with a dramatic clash against Ghana, emerging victorious 2-1. Clint Dempsey scored the sixth fastest goal in World Cup history, and a substitute defender scored a late American go-ahead goal. Ghana dominated large stretches of the game, owning possession and creating several scoring chances. However, after tying the game, Ghana surrendered a corner kick goal to the USA’s John Brooks (basically a rookie). The final USA vs. Ghana score was 2-1. It was a highlight filled game, as both the Americans and their African opponents were desperate for a victory, yet in the end the USA secured a precious three points.
Here are the highlights from the final USA 2, Ghana 1 scoreline:
Dempsey’s opening goal after only 34 seconds:
Altidore, devastated at having to be subbed out due to his hamstring injury:
Clint Dempsey caught a kick to the face, but played on (obviously).
Tim Howard was called on a little too much as Ghana gained momentum in the second half. Watch this shot knuckle:
Andre Ayew tied it for Ghana late in the second half:
But John Brooks was ready when opportunity knocked, heading in the game winning goal:
After making a bad habit out of surrendering the first goal in every occasion in 2010, the United States highlighted a World Cup full of goals by striking in the opening minute. Clint Dempsey, the undisputed USA leader, weaved through Ghana’s defense and slid home a far-post shot.
Following the opening blitz, it was all Ghana. Injuries to USA players Jozy Alitdore and Matt Besler (defender) caused consternation, and allowed Ghana to seize control. They nearly tied it on several occasions, finally finding the equalizer late in the second half. Yet after winning a corner kick, Brooks seized his moment (having come on for Besler) and glanced in the winning header.
The USA entered their opening game of the 2014 tournament with the expectation that they needed to get something, ideally a win, from the opener against Ghana. In the so-called group of death with Portugal and Germany as well, the first game was seen as critical to getting the points necessary to progress beyond the group stage and into the knockout round.
Here’s their schedule for the remaining games:
6/22: vs. Portugal (6 p.m. EST)
6/26: vs. Germany (12 p.m.)
Screenshots via ESPN
