U.S. Men’s National Team defender John Brooks scored the game-winning goal in the 86th minute and forward Clint Dempsey scored the sixth-fastest goal in World Cup history as the USA earned a thrilling 2-1 victory against Ghana in front of a crowd of 39,760 at Estadio das Dunas in the Group G opener for both teams at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Brooks became the first U.S. MNT substitute to score a goal in a FIFA World Cup. Dempsey became the first USA player to score in three separate World Cups and U.S. MNT goalkeeper Tim Howard made four saves to lead the squad to its third opening-game win in the tournament. It also marked the USA’s first international win against Ghana, which defeated the U.S. in the two previous World Cups.
The USA had to clear a massive hurdle in the early going, however, when Jozy Altidore left the game with a strained left hamstring in the 21st minute, World Cup newcomer Aron Johannsson replaced his former AZ Alkmaar teammate in the 23rd minute.
Earlier in the day, Germany defeated Portugal 4-0 in Group G play at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. Germany sits atop Group G based on goal differential. Portugal will face the USA on Sunday, June 22, without defender Pepe, who received a red card in the first half of the loss to Germany.
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