The United States knew that early intensity would be the key against Ghana, but no one expected them to score one of the fastest goals in World Cup history on their way to a 2-1 win.
Starting Strong
The national anthems had barely faded when Clint Dempsey picked up a neat pass, weaved into Ghana's penalty area and lashed a shot into the far corner of the net. It was the fastest goal by the United States in 10 World Cup appearances, and the sixth-fastest of all time.
The game settled down following Dempsey's strike, with Ghana pushing down the right side of the field in order to test American left back DaMarcus Beasley. Beasley, more of an offensive player than a natural defender, has played on the left side of the defense for some time given the lack of better options.
Injury Scares
With just over 20 minutes gone, the United States faced the first real injury scare of the tournament. Striker Jozy Altidore pulled up with a non-contact hamstring injury, and the US was forced to send on 23-year-old backup Aron Johansson.
The United States went defensive, keeping Ghana at bay well...but just minutes after Altidore's injury, the US faced another scare. Clint Dempsey took a cleat directly to the face, and although he stayed down and the stretcher was brought on, he was able to job it off and continue.
Ghana asserted themselves in the latter stages of the half, controlling possession and embarking on several forays deep into US territory. For the most part, the Ghanians were undone by sloppy crosses and poor passing, but US goalkeeper Tim Howard was kept busy.
Escalating Action
At the half, the United States brought on young defender John Anthony Brooks for Matt Besler, who also tweaked a hamstring late in the first half.
A cagey beginning to the second half of play saw both teams unable to create significant chances, but Ghana's relentless attacking eventually wore down the United States. In the 82nd minute, they finally found a way through.
Andre Ayew ripped a shot into the net following confusion in the US penalty area, and no one could argue that the goal wasn't deserved. Despite the equalizer, the US team wasn't down and out.
A nervous moment for Ghana in the 87th minute saw the United States win a corner, and the 21-year-old John Anthony Brooks (making just his fifth appearance for the national team) headed home to pull the Americans back in front.
Despite a nervous ending that saw both teams blow chances to score, the game ended 2-1 to the United States. With Germany's dominant win over Portugal, the Americans opened group play with the win they needed to set the tone.
What's Next for the US?
The United States takes six days off, and will play Portugal at Arena Amazônia in the northern city of Manaus on Sunday, June 22nd. Jozy Altidore will undergo tests in Sao Paulo tomorrow, and his status going forward is uncertain. Defender Matt Besler, who also came off with a hamstring issue, is not expected to miss more than a day or two of practice time.
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