Despite being outplayed by Ghana for much of the game, USA managed to pull off a dramatic 2-1 win Monday, June 16.
USA started the game off with a quick goal, scored by Clint Dempsey. At only 30 seconds into the game, it was the fastest goal ever scored for USA in World Cup history.
For the ensuing 82 minutes, the scoreboard may have shown 1-0 in favor of the Americans, but Ghana was in control of the game. Ghana put the pressure on, having ball possession for the majority of the game. USA’s defense looked sporadic, with poor decisions and passes that led to many opportunities for Ghana.
Ghana scored on a strike by André Ayew that soared above the diving USA goalkeeper, Tim Howard, to tie the game. The momentum swing made it seem like Ghana may net the go-ahead goal.
However, USA found a way to score the game winner. On a corner kick, John Brooks scored off a header. Brooks came in at 46 minute mark, after Matt Besler suffered a hamstring injury. Brooks had not been playing well in recent months, but he came up big here. It was the first goal scored by a substitute in the World Cup for the USA Men’s team.
USA gained three points from the match, which puts them in great position to qualify from Group G, otherwise known as the “Group of Death.” USA also enjoyed a bit of revenge as Ghana has knocked them out of competition in the previous two World Cups.
The two goal-scorers for USA both managed to make history, but they are not the only ones. ESPN enjoyed its highest number of viewers ever for a soccer game with a 7.0 rating. Ever since the 2010 World Cup, ESPN has seen higher TV ratings for soccer.
Photos: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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