11/24/24
June 16, 2014
U.S. Defeats Ghana with Late Header by John Brooks: Clint Dempsey scored in the first 34 seconds and substitute John Brooks in the 86th minute as the United States men's soccer team defeated Ghana 2-1 in their World Cup opener in Brazil Monday night. Ghana dominated the second half after injuries to American striker Jozy Altidore and defender Matt Beisler, scoring an Andre Ayew goal in the 82nd minute. But on a corner by Graham Zusi set up by Fabian Johnson, Beisler's replacement John Brooks headed it past the Black Stars keeper. The U.S. and Germany are tied atop Group G after one game.
The way Brooks initially seemed to almost call off the celebration after looking to the sideline made me think for a minute that the goal had been called off like that bullshit phantom foul on Maurice Edu's goal against Slovakia at the last World Cup.
Great result, pretty ugly game from a U.S. perspective. Holy cow did they give up possession cheaply. They will need better to advance.
posted by holden at 09:47 PM on June 16, 2014
Brooks reaction to scoring reminded me of Bob Beamon's reaction when he realized how far he had jumped in 1968; absolute shock, and then complete physical collapse.
I was nominally cheering for Ghana because of the SpoFi confidence pool, but really I was happy to see the US win.
Side note: Those Ghana home jerseys look really sharp with the multicoloured collar and arm bands, and their federation logo. I normally would pass on an all-white jersey for my collection, but that's not one I'd refuse if handed to me.
posted by grum@work at 10:32 PM on June 16, 2014
Agreed on the Ghana shirts, although let's hope the replica kit for fans is a bit less form-fitting than the Puma shirts the players wear. Players on all of the teams with those shirts (Ghana, Switzerland, Cameroon, etc.) look like they are wearing Batman suits, with chiseled physiques showing through. Doesn't nobody need a high definition look at my under-the-shirt parts.
posted by holden at 10:50 PM on June 16, 2014
Yesterday's Men in Blazers podcast suggested Uruguay's shirts are actually ingested and worn under the skin.
Not much to say about the game except Wow and Jermaine Jones had an amazing game. He and Beckerman did a job defensively especially once the US decided "One goal should be enough; let's spend some time reflecting on Jozy's injury and what is really important in life."
posted by yerfatma at 09:03 AM on June 17, 2014
That was amazing, but I never ever ever want to play Ghana again. We are going to need better possession going forward.