Natal (Brazil): After 90 brutal minutes of end-to-end action, the Americans emerged with a thrilling 2-1 win over Ghana.
US fans were screaming for revenge on Monday (Tuesday in India) after the Black Stars eliminated the Americans from the last two Cups. They got it. At a price.
Clint Dempsey scored a shocking goal a half-minute in, but the US couldn’t make it stand up. Andre Ayew tied the scores in the 82nd minute after a brilliant back-heel pass from Asamoah Gyan, who had eliminated the US four years ago.
And then, just four minutes later, 20-year-old John Brooks rose to head in Graham Zusi’s corner kick from eight yards – the first substitute to ever score for the United States in 30 World Cup games over 84 years.
The defender, an unexpected addition to the American roster, was so overcome he fell to the field and was unable to move even after team mates climbed off the dog pile.
US players ran onto the field to celebrate at the final whistle, jumping as supporters chanted. The Americans are in good position in Group G, where Germany opened with a 4-0 rout of Portugal.
US coach Jurgen Klinsmann had said this would be like a final. Jozy Altidore was hoping it wasn’t his finale.
The forward was carried off on a stretcher after his left hamstring gave out in the 21st minute when he tried to control a long ball. He awaits tests that will determine whether he can return for this World Cup.
Dempsey went down too on a balmy night but stayed in the game. The US captain ended the first half with a tissue up his nose to stop the bleeding after John Boye’s kick to his face during a battle for a header in the 31st minute, and he was struggling for breath in the second.
By the time of the final whistle, the US lineup had Brooks in central defence and a virtually invisible 23-year-old Aron Johannsson at forward.
Now the odds favour advancement, but that might depend on which players are able to make it on the field for Sunday’s game against Portugal in the hot and humid Amazon rain forest capital of Manaus. (AP)