2014 World Cup: The U.S. holds on for a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana

(Image credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

last updated 8 January 2015

Substitute John Brooks scored an out-of-nowhere header in the dying minutes to give the Americans a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana, despite a dominant performance in the second half by the Black Stars, who managed to tie the game after Clint Dempsey gave the U.S. the lead in the first minute of the game.

With the U.S. also facing powerhouses Portugal and Germany in Group G, this game was widely seen as a must-win. And with Portugal going down to Germany by four goals earlier in the day, the U.S.'s chances of going to the second round just improved considerably.