USA 2-1 Ghana: Dempsey makes World Cup history

Clint Dempsey's 29-second goal against Ghana helped the US win on the opening day, and more importantly, it also helped him make World Cup history by becoming the 5th player to score the fastest goal.

Dempsey becomes the 5th fastest goal scorer in World Cup history

Ghana has participated in 3 World Cups, and coincidentally, the African representative has always had a good fate when facing the US team. In 2006 in the US, Ghana defeated the US 2-1 in the group stage to overcome their opponents and enter the round of 16. 4 years later in South Africa, Ghana continued to overcome the American team with the same score of 2-1 after 120 minutes in the round of 16.

Therefore, entering this third encounter in three consecutive World Cups, Ghana continued to be rated higher than the US thanks to a slightly superior force with faces fighting all over Europe. In fact, Ghana still showed to be better than the US, they created a superior position compared to their opponents. Unfortunately, luck did not smile on them as they lost with a score of 1-2.

Andre Ayew equalized for Ghana after some surprisingly well-coordinated play.

Returning to the match, when the fans had not yet settled down, the US team made the stands explode with the opening goal in the 29th second by midfielder Clint Dempsey with a solo run, overcoming the marking of two Ghanaian defenders before finishing diagonally past goalkeeper Kwarasey and becoming the player who scored the fastest goal at the 2014 World Cup. The goal in the 29th second also helped the former Tottenham player enter World Cup history as the player who scored the 5th fastest goal.

After scoring, the US took the initiative to play slowly and steadily, giving the game to Ghana. In the attacking game, the African representative continuously threatened goalkeeper Tim Howard's goal, but unfortunately, Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew were too impatient and careless in their finishing moves, making Ghana unable to equalize despite their superior ball control and shooting percentage compared to their opponents.

In the second half, Michael Essien and Kevin Prince Boateng were brought on to help Ghana continue to dominate the US. The attacks also became more diverse, with attacks from the center and the wings. And from a pass on the left wing, Gyan had a classy backheel for Ayew to finish past Howard, leveling the score in the 83rd minute.

However, the joy was short-lived, while still excited about the goal, the Ghana players were doused with cold water when center-back Brooks jumped high to head the ball into the net past Kwarasey once again after an accurate corner kick from Zusi to seal a 2-1 victory for the US. Notably, both Brooks and Zusi were two reinforcements of coach Juergen Klinsmann in the second half.

The man who headed the winner for the US team in a 2-1 victory, John Brooks, is currently playing. for Hertha Berlin

Losing the match, Ghana's chances of advancing are very low because their opponents in the last two rounds are Germany and Portugal. However, Ghana players should also blame themselves for their carelessness in finishing which led to their defeat. According to statistics, Ghana is the team that has fired the most shots since the beginning of the tournament with 21 shots towards Howard's goal, but only 3 were on target and turned into 1 goal.

Line-up:

America:Howard, Johnson, Cameron, Besler (Brooks 46'), Beasley, Bedoya (Zusi 77'), Jones, Bradley, Beckerman, Dempsey, Altidore (Johannsson 23').

Ghana:Kwarasey, Opare, Mensah, Boye, Asamoah, Atsu (Adomah 77'), Rabiu (Essien 71), Muntari, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew (Boateng 58'), Gyan.

According to bongda+