The United States men’s national team made a statement in their World Cup 2014 opener by scoring a goal on Ghana 15 seconds into the match, marking the fastest goal in U.S. history. Clint Dempsey took a beautiful pass from midfielder Jermaine Jones, made three quick touches through a few Ghana defenders, and found the back of the net.
Unfortunately for the Americans, later in the first half Dempsey was knocked out of the match when going up for a jump ball with a Ghana player and getting a hard kick in the nose that was incidental. Dempsey crashed to the pitch on his back with his nose bloodied, and despite his protestations was removed from play.
His injury came shortly after the United States lost Jozy Altidore to a strained hamstring, an injury which may linger throughout the World Cup. Dempsey, on the other hand, did not look concussed from the kick and should be good to go when USA next suits up.
Since Dempsey’s quick score the play has seemed to favor Ghana, who have dominated time of possession and have attempted one more shot than the Americans. Both sides have one shot on goal, however, with United States goalie Tim Howard proving his worth by making a diving save on an attempt by Asamoah Gyan.
Going forward the United States might choose to go conservative, since Altidore and Dempsey attempted three of their five shots thus far. It is unclear whether their replacements will be able to replicate the skill and aggression of the two absent scorers.
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