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We’re off and running. How’s this for a win: The U.S. shocked the world with its goal 30 seconds into its match against Ghana, proceeded to hold on for 80 minutes despite Ghana’s offensive onslaught, gave up an equalizer in the 82nd minute, then retook the lead for good with a goal in the 86th minute by John Brooks of all people.
It’s three points for the USMNT, but it’s not all good news. Jozy Altidore left the game with a pretty serious looking hamstring injury and, despite the win, the U.S. was flat-out dominated for all 90 minutes of the game. Here are five of the biggest takeaways from the USMNT’s 2-1 win against Ghana.
5) Jozy Altidore Needs A New Hamstring
A non-contact hamstring injury that requires the use of a stretcher is almost never a minor injury. And for the USMNT, Altidore is one of the few players that you can’t really replace. No, Altidore isn’t among the world’s best at scoring, but he offers the U.S. some much needed muscle and physicality up front. No offense to Aron Johannsson, but without Altidore, the U.S. is lacking a physical presence up front that is able to hold and possess the ball while the midfielders transition from defense to offense.
