NATAL, June 17, 2014 (AFP) – German-born United States defender John Brooks came off the bench to stun Ghana with a late winner in a 2-1 victory in Natal on Monday to put a huge dent in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists hopes of emulating that feat this time round. Ghana showed improvement after the break, but Sulley Muntari fired a metre wide of Tim Howard’s upright and then Gyan, unmarked, twice sent headers wide of the target.
The African’s were given hope when Ayew finished off a fine move down the left by latching on to Gyan’s backheel inside the area to beat Howard with the outside of his left boot.
But Berlin-born Brooks, whose selection for the World Cup by Klinsmann caused considerable controversy, ended their hopes of an opening win.
He had replaced defender Matt Besler for the second half after he suffered a knock,and Klinsmann added: “It was a big moment for John Anthony Brooks coming into this game at half-time.
“He played his first World Cup game, and scored in it, so it’s quite a special day for him.” Clint Dempsey scored the opener after just 30 seconds and Brooks headed a dramatic winner to send the USA’s German coach Jurgen Klinsmann wild with delight.
Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana eight minutes before the end. But Brook