The United States gained revenge over Ghana for knocking them out of the last two World Cups with a 2-1 win at the football World Cup in Brazil, powered by captain Clint Dempsey's early goal.
Dempsey scored the fifth-fastest goal in World Cup history when he struck with his left foot on 29 seconds after kickoff to give the Americans the perfect start in Natal, and also extend coach Juergen Klinsmann's perfect record in opening World Cup matches.
Andre Ayew equalised for Ghana before John Brooks powered home an 86th-minute header to grab the win and maintain the coach's 100 percent record in World Cup openers.
Ghana, quarter-finalists and heroes of an entire continent in South Africa four years ago, rued their profligacy in front of goal and the Black Stars now face a huge task if they are to get past the group stage for the third straight tournament.
Elsewhere, Iran and Nigeria laboured to the first stalemate of an otherwise scintillating World Cup, their dismal nil-all draw leaving both sides still chasing their first victory at a finals since 1998.
While Iran could take some small satisfaction in keeping a clean sheet for the first time since their debut in 1978, the bore in Curitiba stood out like a suit salesman on Copacabana beach.
With Lionel Messi's Argentina, installed as clear Group F favourites, and exciting debutants Bosnia still to come, the other two look destined for an early exit unless they can raise their game considerably.
