John Brooks lived his very own American dream with a goalscoring World Cup debut to remember in Natal.
USA got off to the perfect start when former Tottenham and Fulham striker Clint Dempsey netted the fifth-fastest ever goal in World Cup history after just 29 seconds.
Not only was the goal super quick but it was also an impressive milestone for Dempsey, who scored in his third successive World Cup.
But gutsy Ghana, who reached the quarter finals in South Africa four years ago, refused to give up and were rewarded eight minutes from time with a goal from Andre Ayew and what looked like a share of the points.
Ghana's joy soon turned to heartache as American youngster Brooks headed home the winner in what was only his fifth cap for his country.
This could prove to be a vital three points for Jurgen Klinsmann's USA, especially with games against his home nation Germany and Portugal yet to come in Group G.
USA may even fancy their chances against Portugal, who themselves will need a dramatic improvement after a 4-0 thumping defeat by Germany. Beating one of the favourites to take the title, Germany, would be a huge ask but with the Jurgen Klinsmann factor adding extra spice to this later fixture you never know what might happen.
The following day focus switched to Group H, the only sides left in the competition yet to play a game. Russia are set to entertain South Korea in the late kick-off but first Belgium, many people's dark horses as possible outsiders for the global title, took to the field.
Nothing other than a Belgium win was expected against Algeria, but when Sofiane Feghouli opened the scoring from the penalty spot it looked like the African side might actually get something out of the game.
But a stroke of genius from coach Marc Wilmots ensured favourites Belgium would overcome the scare of going a goal down to take all three points. Substitute Divock Origi looked lively after coming off the bench, while Marouane Fellaini had only been on the field for five minutes when he levelled the scores with a looping header.
Fellow substitute Dries Mertens also had a decisive impact after latching onto Eden Hazard's perfectly weighted pass to smash home the winning goal with just 10 minutes remaining.
It wasn't the convincing win many had expected from the Belgians but Wilmots' men still got the job done to get their World Cup campaign off a great start.
Brazil also got their World Cup off to a winning start with a 3-1 victory over Croatia and, in a World Cup full of goals, many would've expected Brazil to get a couple, or at least one against Mexico. Mexico held firm to claim a goalless draw and what is a valuable point for them, but it will probably feel more like a defeat for the hosts.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa produced heroics to keep out the hosts, including one likened to another by a certain Gordon Banks, earning him huge praise by many football fans on social media. The 28-year-old also appears to be available on a free transfer and his performance against Brazil will certainly have pushed him further into the centre of the shop window.
Both sides still look likely to qualify out of Group A but this result will still hurt Brazil. After a flurry of goals at the start of the tournament we've now had two goalless draws in two days, what's going on!? Sort it out! At least Spain and Holland are back in action tomorrow so expect the action to be full of goals again (or a continued pattern of draws, take your pick).
Even if they finish runners-up in the tournament it would feel like defeat for the hosts. Luiz Felipe Scolari's men have one agenda, and one agenda only, for this World Cup - to end it as Champions. They will need to find their goalscoring touch again soon and their final Group A opponents, Cameroon, will have to defend strong to avoid being on the wrong end of a thumping.
England will also have to make sure they are at their best to avoid a big defeat against Uruguay later in the week. There is no room for error against Luis Suarez and co, who also failed to register a point in their opening game. It has all the makings of a great match and I am already filled with so much excitement (and nerves). Still have absolutely no idea what will happen but I do know this - If we hit top form on the day we are more than capable of getting a result.
QUE SERA SERA
EN-GER-LAND
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