Clint Dempsey scored very early, and John Brooks scored late to give the US national team a 2-1 win over Ghana on Monday in Group G action in Natal.
Dempsey opened the scoring in the first minute, as he took the ball outside Ghana's box, dribbled through the box and slotted his shot past Adam Kwarasey. According to FIFA, the goal, which was officially clocked at 34 seconds, is the sixth-fastest goal scored in World Cup history.
Jozy Altidore was forced to exit the game in the 23rd minute after suffering a left hamstring strain two minutes earlier. His status moving forward in the tournament is unclear, though he will undergo scans in São Paulo tomorrow, according to the ESPN broadcast. Aron Johannsson replaced Altidore in the game.
The USMNT had to deal with a second injury at the half, as defender Matt Besler experienced right hamstring "tightness." As a result, Brooks took his place in the second half.
After putting the US under increasing pressure over the course of the game, Andre Ayew scored in the 82nd minute, running onto a pass from Asamoah Gyan and hitting it past Tim Howard at the near post with the outside of his boot.
But the US came back with an unlikely winner, as Brooks headed home Graham Zusi's corner kick in the 86th minute to quickly retake the lead.
