U.S. Beats Ghana; Wins Opener 2-1

ussoccer.com

By Francisco Romero

It was not pretty, but a victory it was. The U.S. National Team opened World Cup play by scoring in the 29th second of the match. Clint Dempsey scored the fifth fastest goal in World Cup History.

At the end the U.S. beat Ghana by a score of 2-1.

It was revenge for the Americans Ghana has eliminated the U.S. from the last two World Cups.

“We knew it would be a grind and go down to the wire against a very strong Ghana side. But I was still convinced that we would win this game even after Ghana’s equalizer. I had the feeling that another two or three opportunities would come and we just needed to take one, which we did,” said Jurgen Klinsmann, the U.S. Head Coach.

Clint Dempsey became the first U.S. MNT player to score in three separate FIFA World Cups. With his third World Cup goal, Dempsey also ties for third on the USA list with Brian McBride, trailing only Landon Donovan (5) Bert Patenaude (4).

The USA is now 1-2-0 all-time against Ghana, with all three games taking place in consecutive FIFA World Cups.

The early goal gave a huge advantage to the U.S. as the Black Stars attacked constantly during the first half. André Ayew was finally able to tie the game for Ghana at the 81st minute, but it would not last long; John Brooks scored the go ahead goal at the 86th minute.

The U.S. suffered two loses as Jozy Altidore, left the game due to a hamstring injury during the first half of play, then Matt Besler also left the game with a calf injury. Their status for the next game is not certain yet.

The U.S. will face Portugal next Sunday at Arena Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil.

Portugal lost to Germany 4-0 during Group G play.