The United States defeated Ghana 2-1 to move into pole position to join Germany in the round of 16 from the World Cupââ¬â¢s group of death.
Jurgen Klinsmannââ¬â¢s side were in the lead after just 29 seconds of the game. Jermaine Jones found Clint Dempsey who beat his man before shooting across the keeper â⬓ with his effort going in off the post.
Ghana controlled much of the match thereafter but could do little to actually threaten Tim Howardââ¬â¢s goal â⬓ despite attempting a huge number of shots and the United States goalkeeper touching the ball more than any of his other teammates, with 61 touches in total.
Christian Atsu, Asamoah Gyan and Kevin-Prince Boateng all had efforts; however of its 16 shots over the first 81 minutes of the game, just two hit the target â⬓ and both of these were from outside the box:
Ghana finally equalised in the 82ndà minute with its 17thà shot of the game whenà à Gyanââ¬â¢s neatà back heal found Andre Ayew and the Marseille forwardââ¬â¢s outside of his left foot finished beat Tim Howard at the near post.
Ghana then appeared to be the favourites if there was going to be a winner; however the United States would fire back to win it. Fabian Johnson worked hard to win a corner as Jonathan Mensah attempted to shepherd it out of play; substitute Graham Zusi took it and found an unmarked John Brooks to head home â⬓ securing the three points for the USA.
Ghana were in control for much of the contest and outshot the United States but were made to pay for a failure to hit the target, with the USA (4 shots on target) showing better accuracy than its opponents (3 shots on target).
Jurgen Klinsmannââ¬â¢s side will need to improve against Portugal, yet the win has increased the United Statesââ¬â¢ chances to secure a shock place in the round of 16.