NATAL, Brazil (AP):

Clint Dempsey scored in the first minute and substitute John Brooks netted a late game winner as the United States defeated Ghana 2-1 yesterday in the World Cup opener for both in Group G.

The victory gave the Americans a measure of revenge against the tiny West African county that knocked them out of the previous two World Cups and put the US and Germany on top of the group with Ghana and Portugal at the bottom.

Dempsey's goal came on a low shot just 29 seconds into the match. Ghana dominated the rest of the game, and Andre Ayew levelled in the 82nd minute.

Just four minutes later, Brooks - a 21-year-old who came on at half-time because Matt Besler was injured - headed in a corner from Graham Zusi. It was the first time an American sub had ever scored in the World Cup.

Dempsey's goal made him the first US player to score in three different World Cups and was the fastest ever scored by an American in the tournament.