Hot News: Player Ratings: United States (2) vs. Ghana (1)

It was not pretty, and it was not perfect, but the United States defeated Ghana for a promising start in its uphill climb to advance out of a challenging Group G.

The United States struggled to maintain possession in the midfield, and the team was hit hard with injuries after Jozy Altidore and Matt Besler were forced out of the game and Clint Dempsey was bothered after taking a kick to his nose.

But results are what matter most at this stage. The victory was also a bit of revenge for the United States after Ghana eliminated the Americans in the last two World Cups.

The United States next plays Sunday against Portugal, which is coming off a dismal 4-0 loss to Germany. With the momentum, the United States now has a visible path toward the Round of 16. Starters

Tim Howard With the defense under siege, Howard was a rock. He came up with an impressive save in the first half on Asamoah Gyan and was sharp as he kept the United States in the game. Rating: 8.0.

Fabian Johnson While he had a few nice moments, he was beaten badly on André Ayew's goal. Ghana's offense was focused primarily on attacking down the other side of the field so Johnson was untested defensively for most of the game. A few times, though, he was caught too far up the field. Rating: 4.5.

Geoff Cameron Coming into the tournament, central defense was seen as a liability for the United States but Cameron eased those doubts with a terrific performance. As the American midfield failed to hold the ball, the defense was under a lot of pressure, and Cameron answered every challenge. Rating: 7.5.

Matt Besler Making his World Cup debut, Besler was very impressive in breaking up numerous chances from Ghana. He only played one half before leaving with a strained hamstring, but Coach Jurgen Klinsmann should feel comfortable with Besler playing in the back in this tournament if he is healthy. Rating: 7.0.

DaMarcus Beasley Beasley, playing in his fourth World Cup, is new to the left back position after moving there in the past year. Ghana made an effort to attack down his side, and Beasley was exposed on multiple occasions. Still, they could not break him. Rating: 4.5.

Kyle Beckerman The Real Salt Lake defender was instrumental in the defensive midfield role, breaking up numerous chances and completing a high percentage of his passes. Rating: 7.5.

Michael Bradley It was an uncharacteristically poor game from Bradley, who is the leader of the midfield. He caused numerous turnovers, and his normally crisp passing was of the mark. He improved slightly toward the end of the game, but it was a lackluster performance for a player capable of much more. Rating: 4.0.

Jermaine Jones With Bradley struggling, Jones picked up the slack and was part of most of the United States' best opportunities. His assist on Clint Dempsey's goal was instrumental in providing an early lead. Rating: 8.0.

Alejandro Bedoya It was more difficult than usual for Bedoya to get involved in the attack, but he worked extremely hard defensively and covered a lot of ground. Rating: 5.5.

Clint Dempsey He began the game with a great individual move to score the opening goal less than 30 seconds in. He sustained an injury to his nose later in the half, and it clearly affected him. He fought through it, but he was not much of a factor in the second half. Rating: 6.5. Graphic: How the United States Scored Against Ghana

Jozy Altidore In the opening 20 minutes, Altidore displayed strong hold up play but he came out of the game early because of a hamstring injury. Rating: 5.0. Substitutes

Aron Johannsson Replacing the injured Altidore, Johannsson came on at a difficult time, with the midfield being overrun and Dempsey bothered by a nose injury. Johannsson did his best to hold the ball up, but his inactivity was mostly because of the lack of possession by the United States midfield. Rating: 5.5.

John Brooks Brooks, who replaced the injured Besler at halftime, struggled defensively at first but he gradually found his way into the game and improved defensively in his partnership with Cameron. Brooks's goal was a remarkable effort, and gave the United States a valuable victory. Rating: 7.5.

Graham Zusi Coming on for Bedoya, Zusi was a boost to a midfield that was fatigued from chasing Ghana for most of the first half. He made the difference for the United States when he assisted on Brooks's winner with a perfect corner kick. Rating: 7.0. Coaching

Jurgen Klinsmann While his initial game plan did not create possession or attacking soccer, he deserves credit in making wise substitutions at a time when his team was battling through multiple injuries. Brooks and Zusi came on in the second half and combined on the winning goal. The test for this team was always going to be the backline, and the defense was remarkable Monday with Ghana controlling the midfield. Rating: 7.0.

Post By http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/17/sports/worldcup/player-ratings-united-states-2-vs-ghana-1.html