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Is the US going to win this thing?

NATAL, Brazil — The U.S. national soccer team waited four years for this moment, to measure its progress since the last World Cup, to avenge losses against a two-time nemesis and to implement Jurgen Klinsmann’s grand plan.

On an evening of extraordinary turns, of bloodied noses, strained hamstrings and both early and late goals, the Americans claimed a 2-1 victory over Ghana in their Group G opener Monday.

Amid bedlam at Arena das Dunas, substitute John Brooks, 21, scored in the 86th minute — just four minutes after Andre Ayew had canceled out Clint Dempsey’s goal, which came 29 seconds into the match.

Brooks, a 6-foot-4 German American defender who replaced injured Matt Besler at halftime, stung an eight-yard downward header from Graham Zusi’s corner kick past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey.

He celebrated for a moment, then, perhaps not believing what he had done in just his fifth U.S. appearance, lay on his stomach with his face buried in his arms and the grass for an extended period.

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