What A Start: Three Thoughts on a wild USA World Cup win over Ghana

Author:
Grant Wahl
Publish date:
Jun 16, 2014

NATAL, Brazil — Just when the U.S. seemed headed for a disappointing tie, John Brooks scored a monumental game-winner on an 86th-minute corner-kick header to snatch a huge three points against a Ghana team that had owned the U.S. in the World Cup. The curse is over.

Here are my three quick thoughts on the game:

• John Brooks entered the U.S. history books

In a remarkable finish to a game of wildly swerving emotions, 21-year-old center back John Brooks headed home the game-winner in the 86th minute off a corner kick to give the U.S. a stunning victory over Ghana, the team that had eliminated the Americans from the past two World Cups. The U.S. appeared destined for a 1-1 tie (or worse) when André Ayew culminated a siege of Ghanaian pressure to equalize in the 82nd minute.

But just when the U.S. was on its heels, the Americans won a corner kick. Graham Zusi sent a curling ball into the box where Brooks nodded it hard with his noggin off the turf and in. Soccer is a funny old game sometimes. Brooks was playing in his first official (non-friendly) game ever for the U.S.—he could have still played for Germany until he came in—and only entered the game due to a hamstring injury to starting center back Matt Besler. A grand night indeed for American soccer.

• The U.S. couldn’t have asked for a better start

Dempsey’s stunning opener came just 34 seconds into the game as he took a gorgeous first touch from a Jermaine Jones pass and skinned defender John Boye before burying a left-footed blast far-post past Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey. Dempsey became the first American to score in three World Cups, but more than that he gave the U.S. a huge shot of adrenaline to start the game.

The goal was sui generis for the U.S., and yet it was an echo of the early goal that John O’Brien scored against Portugal in the U.S.’s classic 3-2 World Cup opening-game victory in 2002. Never one to shrink from a big moment, Dempsey scored a goal that will remain embedded in the memories of every U.S. soccer fan for its sheer audacity and execution. It doesn’t get much better than that.

WATCH: Dempsey scores fastest goal in U.S. World Cup history

• Not everything is rosy heading into Game 2

Jozy Altidore’s hamstring injury looked serious, and the U.S. may have to rely on 23-year-old Aron Jóhannsson up top the rest of the way in the World Cup. As for Besler, he has been the rock of the U.S. back line in recent months, and although his injury looked less severe—U.S. Soccer said his removal was precautionary—it’s a lot to ask of Brooks to be an anchor in the central defense against Portugal and Germany.

MORE: Altidore subbed off 21 minutes into World Cup with hamstring injury

Michael Bradley, too, had an uncharacteristically tough game, appearing to measure his passes too much, which led to multiple giveaways. With the U.S. having to go to youngsters like Jóhannsson and Brooks in huge moments, questions will be raised over whether Klinsmann should have left experienced players like Landon Donovan and Clarence Goodson off the World Cup squad.

In the end, though, what matters most is that the U.S. got three key points in its World Cup opener, just the second time the U.S. has won to start the World Cup since 1990. The last time? That was in 2002, when the U.S. went all the way to the quarterfinals. This may be the start of something special.

GALLERY: USA 2, Ghana 1

U.S. vs. Ghana

U.S. 2, Ghana 1

John Brooks game winner on a header in the 86th minute of a 2-1 victory over Ghana will go down as one of the most memorable in U.S. World Cup history. It enabled the U.S. to defeat the team that had knocked it out of the previous two World Cups.

The goal was the first by a U.S. substitute player in the history of the World Cup. It came in the waning minutes as the U.S. was desperately trying to survive waves of attacks from Ghana.

U.S. 2, Ghana 1

Brooks' goal put the U.S. atop Group G with Germany, with Ghana and Portugal at the bottom, which is the way things would end up after the round-robin group stage play concluded.

U.S. fans across the globe were overjoyed with the victory, including those in Hermosa Beach, Calif.

Ghana has its work cut out for it, having to face Germany on the heels of Monday's defeat.

Tim Howard celebrates the hard-earned victory.

Jurgen Klinsmann did something his two predecessors couldn't -- defeat Ghana in a World Cup match.

U.S. 2, Ghana 1

Clint Dempsey scored 34 seconds into the match against Ghana, the fastest ever scored by an American in the tournament and the sixth-fastest in World Cup history.

Dempsey' goal made him the first U.S. player to score in three different World Cups.

U.S. 2, Ghana 1

Dempsey used a nifty move to split John Boye and Sulley Muntari, then sent the left-footed shot past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, where the ball bounced off the post and in.

The goal came on a low shot and showed the kind of technical flair seldom seen from a squad that typically scores through set pieces.

U.S. 2, Ghana 1

Jozy Altidore suffered a left hamstring injury when he tried to control a long ball in the 21st minute against Ghana. He missed the next two games.

He awaits tests that will determine whether he can return for this World Cup.

If he's unable to continue, the U.S. won't be able to replace him on the roster.

The U.S. faces Portugal Sunday in the hot and humid Amazon rain forest capital of Manaus -- in all likelihood with Altidore.

The U.S. looked punchless on the attack after Altidore was taken off the field in a stretcher.

U.S. 2, Portugal 2

In the first half against Ghana, Clint Dempsey suffered a broken nose after being kicked in the face by the high leg of defender John Boye.

U.S. 2, Portugal 2

Dempsey stayed on the ground for a couple of minutes but never lost consciousness.

The blow to his head didn't appear to be intentional.

Dempsey was taken to the sidelines, where he received treatment while play continued. He returned to the field a few minutes later.

Goaltender Tim Howard was played his usual strong and aggressive game.

Howard punches this ball away from danger.

Sulley Muntari of Ghana was so angry at Jermaine Jones that he almost threw a punch in this exchange.

Ghana's Andre Ayew tied the match in the 82nd minute.

Howard was caught leaning to his left on Ayew's goal. It was set up when Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan flicked a backheel pass to Ayew, who used the outside of his left foot for a powerful shot.