Tuesday, June 17, 2014

World Cup 2014: Stars and stripes win black stars in group G opener

Kevin Prince Boateng blast high and wide, one of many shots off target taken by several black stars in inaccurate fashion (Photo shared by CitiFM)
Ghana did level through Andre 'Dede' Ayew but Clint Dempsey's early strike in just 29 seconds, was enough to do the damage, knowing fully that one more goal would ensure victory for the USA, and they got it.

At the Estadio das Dunas in Natal on Monday night, USA took the game to group G opponents Ghana and took the lead within one minute of the game. 

A good interchange of passes between Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and John Boye allowed the USA skipper to swerve in a low left-foot drive into Ghana's net. 

The West Africans made efforts to come back into the game on level terms but the first half would end Ghana 0-1 USA. Ghana looked to pose a threat after USA star Jozy Altidore left the pitch on a stretcher for what appears to be a hamstring injury.

Mr Dempsey did the damage as early as 29 seconds but got his nose broken later. Here, he celebrates his opening goal (Photo: FOX Sports)
Ghana and AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari looked to have found one of those stunning long-range shot of his, but that second half attempt was only inches wide. Asamoah Gyan could have done better with a free header near post, it went high.

When all where talking about a USA win, Andre Ayew was having none of that. His beautiful out-foot shot swerved pass USA goalkeer Tim Howard into the net for an equaliser in the 82nd minute.

However, the USA restored the lead through substitute John Brooks who headed into the net substitute Graham Zuzi's 86 minute corner.

Earlier in the day, Germany trashed Portugal 4-0 at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. 

Ghana next group G game is against Germany at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza on June 21. USA takes on Portugal a day later at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus. 

Written by Modou S. Joof

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