2014 FIFA World Cup: U.S. Beats Ghana, 2-1

John Brooks scored on a header in the 86th minute as the United States beat Ghana 2-1 in the teams' first game of 2014 FIFA World Cup play in Natal, Brazil on Monday.

Ghana's Andre Ayew tied the game at 1-1 just four minutes before the 21-year-old Brooks, a halftime substitution, found the net off Graham Zusi's corner kick to help give Team USA a crucial victory worth three points in the tournament standings.

The Americans got off to a fast start when Clint Dempsey scored a goal in the first minute of play, but Ghana dominated the action that followed and ended the physical game with a possession time advantage of 62 percent to 38 percent.

U.S. striker Jozy Altidore strained his left hamstring at the 23 minute mark and did not return. His status for the remainder of the tournament was questionable.

The Americans' next match is Sunday against Portugal, which was routed 4-0 by Germany on Monday.