Late header by Brooks gives USA their first win against Ghana in the 2014 World Cup.
USA 2-1 Ghana
Clint Dempsey's early goal and a late header from Brooks ensures USA their first win. Substitute Brooks's header in the 86th minute sealed a priceless victory for USA against Ghana. With this win USA's hope of qualifying increases and they need another upset either against Germany or Portugal to ensure their qualifying. USA are in top of the table along with Germany who crushed Portugal earlier. With Portugal not in good form, USA sure has a chance of qualifying to round of 16.
Earlier in the game USA were put in lead by Dempsey's first minute goal. The game had barely started and fans haven't settled down when Dempsey found the net just 29 seconds into the match. But Ghana tied the score with a goal from Ayew in the 82nd minute. With both teams looking for a win Brooks converted the corner into a goal with only four minutes left. USA held on to the lead and defeated Ghana the team which eliminated them in the last two World Cups.
After receiving ball from Jones Dempsey went through Ghana's defence and past Boye before netting the ball in the far right hand corner. The goal is the fifth fastest in the World Cup history. USA looked to double in the 19th minute but Altidore's attempt at goal was blocked. This was the last contribution from Altidore when he was stretchered off the field with a hamstring. Ghana came back into the match and started to trouble the USA's defence. In the 29th minute Atsu's curved shot went off target and Gyan forced the US goalkeeper to make a diving save 3 minutes later. Ghana had another chance to equalize just before half time, but Ayew messed his shot leading to an easy clearance. USA still held onto lead going into half-time.
Brooks replaced Besler in the second half as later had a hamstring problem. Ghana continued their pressure on USA with Muntari whose long shot missed the target and Gyan wasted an easy header chance at goal. Gyan continued his effort and troubled the US goalkeeper forcing him to save a long range header. Ghana were surely looking to dominate the Americans but they just couldn't find the back of the net. Ghana continued to trouble the US's defence, but were unlucky. Just when it seemed it all ended Ghana came back to tie the score in the 82nd minute. Gyan cleverly back heeled to Ayew who controlled the ball and finished off by firing a shot from outside of his left foot. Americans were struggling and Ghana looked for sealing point in this match. But their hopes were short lived when USA equalised four minutes later. In the 86th minute Zusi took the corner and gave a good curling cross to Brooks who jumped high and headed the ball into the net. USA held onto their lead and exacted their revenge on the team that sent them home in the last two World Cups.
USA are ahead in the group with 3 points and an upset against not in form Portugal in their next match can ensure their ticket to the next round. Ghana's bad defending at the head cost them the match but their attacking was good and lacked only a good finish. Ghana would be hoping for a draw or even upset Germany with a win and keeping their hopes alive.
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