NATAL, Brazil (AP) — Clint Dempsey scored in the first minute and rookie substitute John Brooks scored a late game winner as the US defeated Ghana 2-1 Monday in the World Cup opener for both.
The victory gave the Americans a measure of revenge against the tiny West African county that knocked them out of the previous two World Cups and put the US and Germany on top of the Group G, with Ghana and Portugal at the bottom.
Dempsey’s goal came on a low shot just 32 seconds into the match. Ghana dominated much the rest of the game, and Andre Ayew leveled in the 82nd minute.
Just four minutes later, Brooks — a 21-year-old who came on at halftime because Matt Besler was injured — scored off a corner from Graham Zusi. It was the first time an American sub had ever scored in the World Cup.
Dempsey’s goal made him the first US player to score in three different World Cups and was the fastest ever scored by an American in the tournament.
Group G Standings
Wins
Losses
Draws
Goals For
Goals Against
Points
Germany
1
0
0
4
0
3
United States
1
0
0
2
1
3
Ghana
0
1
0
1
2
0
Portugal
0
1
0
0
4
0
Schedule and results
Monday, June 16 – Germany 4, Portugal 0 at Salvador
Monday, June 16 – United States 2, Ghana 1 at Natal
Saturday, June 21 – 3 p.m.: Germany vs Ghana at Fortaleza
Sunday, June 22 – 6 p.m.: Portugal vs United States at Manaus
Thursday, June 26 – Noon: Germany vs United States at Recife
Thursday, June 26 – Noon: Portugal vs Ghana at Brasilia