It was a packed house at the Arena das Dunas stadium in Natal, Brazil Tuesday. Over 45,000 spectators watched anxiously as the United States faced Ghana for the third consecutive World Cup. Team USA may be ranked higher (13 to Ghana's 37), but Ghana has eliminated America the last two World Cups.

The action started fast as team captain Clint Dempsey scored just 29 seconds into the match and gave the US a 1-0 lead. This was the fastest goal in Team USA history at the World Cup. Dempsey also became the first American to score in three World Cups.

Throughout the remainder of the game, these two teams played physical soccer. Forward Jozy Altidore, who last played for the English team Sunderland, suffered what most believe to be a strained left hamstring in the 21st minute. Altidore will be evaluated by physicians and hopefully he will be able to return to the field in the near future. Dempsey joined the physical play in the 33rd minute when John Boye kicked him in the nose.

It didn't appear to be intentional as both players were going up for the ball and Boye's leg swung all the way up at Dempsey's nose. Dempsey said after the game, he "thinks" he broke it. It has been confirmed that his nose is broken.

Ghanaian Andrew Ayew tied up the game in the 82nd minute. It appeared as if (yet again) Team USA was going to choke on the big stage in front of everyone. Ghana was going to defeat America for the third consecutive World Cup.

But, not so fast.

Just four minutes later, America was awarded a corner kick and took advantage of the opportunity. John Brooks scored a fantastic header to give team USA a 2-1 lead and that would ultimately be the game-winner. Brooks was a substitute, so this shows good depth for Team USA.

So what now for Team USA?

Their next match will be against Portugal on Sunday. Portugal is ranked No. 4 in the world and they recently lost to Germany 4-0. That either means Portugal might be a little overrated or Germany is extremely good. Unfortunately, it looks as if Jozy Altidore will not be coming back because of his hamstring issue. Does this mean there's a chance of Landon Donovan returning? Team America's biggest challenge will come on June 26 at Recife against the German squad. Germany will come in as heavy favorites, but maybe Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann knows a thing or two about his former team.

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