USA Defeats Ghana on 86th Minute Goal, 2-1

After quite a lackluster showing from the United States for 86 minutes, the Yanks were able to drive home a goal off a corner kick to seal the victory over Ghana in the first match of group play for both teams.

American forward Clint Dempsey started off the match with a bang, scoring just 32 seconds after kickoff, making it the 6th fastest goal ever scored at the World Cup. Things looked positive for the USA, and some were even thinking a blowout may happen.

It didn't.

Throughout the match, Ghana seemed to be in full control, dominating time of possession and taking shots almost at will. American goalkeeper Tim Howard played like his usual self, and kept the Ghanaians off the score sheet for the first half, as the teams entered the locker rooms with a score of 1-0, although the real story in the first half was the injury bug for the Americans.

Both forwards for the USA, Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, were injured during the half. Altidore appeared to injure his hamstring while running for a long ball played up into the attacking third of the field, and Dempsey caught an errant leg to his nose while attempting to win a 50/50 ball. Defender Matt Besler seemed to walk gingerly towards the end of the half, but nothing seemed to be too serious.

The second half started with USA head coach Juergen Klinsmann substituting in defender John Brooks in for Besler. This move would prove to be quite beneficial for the Yanks.

Ghana continued their onslaught of attack, getting good looks at goal whenever they felt like looking up. They eventually sent one into the onion bag and tied up the match 1-1 during the 82nd minute. 300 million Americans held their collective breaths and just hoped we wouldn't give up another.

Fortunately, the exact opposite happened. Fortunately, John Brooks happened.

On a corner kick just 4 minutes later, the Americans loaded up the box and sent players in to attack what could be our final legitimate attempt on goal, and John Brooks took complete advantage over the situation, heading in the game winner with authority.

After 5 minutes of stoppage time, the USA celebrated exuberantly, as Ghana looked completely exhausted from a well fought match.

The USA take on Portugal and reigning Ballon d'Orr winner Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday.