USA surprises Ghana 2-1 at 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The United States National Soccer Team surprised nemesis Ghana 2-1 in its Group G inaugural game on Monday, June 16, 2014, at the FIFA World Cup Brazil on a late header goal by American striker John Brooks on a corner kick in the 86th minute, leaving the Ghana players stunned while the American players celebrated jubilantly.

The United States jumped to an early lead 1-0 on a goal by Team USA captain Clint Dempsey on a pass by Jozy Altidore in the first minute of play, at the 32 second mark to be precise, stunning the Ghanians. The United States star striker Jozy Altidore fell with a strained left-hamstring forcing Team USA Coach Jurgen Klinsmann to substitute Aron Johannsson for Altidore.

For 81 minutes in the game, the American defense battled the aggressive Ghana strikers keeping them scoreless until the 82nd minute when Andre Ayew scored a goal to tie the game 1-1 a piece with momentum shifting to Ghana. But the United States reacted to the Ghana goal with an aggressive counter-attack leading to a corner kick and John Brooks sensational header goal in the 86th minute to give the Americans a 2-1 lead. Ghana continued attacking the Americans goal but the Americans defense held on for the important victory, earning three points within their group.

Prior to this game, Ghana had beaten and eliminated the United States twice during the past two World Cup tournaments. The United States victory is sweet redemption. Credit is owed to the United States defense men and goal keeper Tim Howard who stymied the Ghanians aggressive attacks throughout the whole game to preserve the win for the Americans.

Americans across the world celebrated Team USA’s thrilling victory over Ghana. This is only the first time since 1930 that Team USA has won its inaugural World Cup game.