Day five: Ghana vs US, Iran vs Nigeria in pictures
Rather than celebrating Germany's win over Portugal, coach Joachim Löw will have turned his eye to the later games. Fellow Group G side Ghana and the US locked horns, after a lower-profile match between Nigeria and Iran.
Time to capitalize for Klinsi's US
Joachim Löw and Germany laid the ideal foundations for the US; smashing Portugal 4-0 to blow the "Group of Death" wide open. This passed the baton on to former German coach Jürgen Klinsmann; suddenly, three points against Ghana might make mission impossible - escaping Group G - a possibility.
Dempsey beats the clock
Just 30 seconds into the game, Clint Dempsey put the US ahead - with the quickest goal yet in Brazil, and the fifth-fastest ever at a World Cup. Ghana were not awake to the US danger man's first touch of the ball, allowing Dempsey to dance into the box and score a precision strike off the inside of the post.
Attrition hits US team
Dempsey was one of several US players to struggle with early knocks. He recovered from this bloodied nose, following a kick from John Boye, but others were not so fortunate. Striker Jozy Altidore pulled up early in the first half and was stretchered off, defender Matt Besler only made it through the first half.
Late equalizer
Ghana generated all manner of chances throughout the game, only tying the score in the 82nd minute. Forward Asamoah Gyan, one of the more profligate when shooting himself, played in Andre Ayew with an excellent backheel. Ayew finished with aplomb, from a similar position to Dempsey earlier in the game. Unlike Dempsey, the Ghanaian went for power and the near post, not precision at the far side.
Keys to the country for Berliner Brooks
Shortly afer Ghana's equalizer, the US reclaimed the lead from a corner. Substitute John-Anthony Brooks of Hertha Berlin, playing his first competitive game for Klinsmann's side, was the hero with the header. Brooks, born in Berlin, only became categorically ineligible for the German national team when he stepped onto the pitch at half-time. He ended the game as a new American hero.
Bore draw between Iran, Nigeria
Unlucky 13. After 12 games without a draw in the World Cup, and immediately after Germany's demolition of Portugal, along came the inevitable. Iran and Nigeria battled to a goalless draw - in a game where the Africans showed greater ambition going forward. Iran's regimented defense held firm for the point. The draw might have encouraged Bosnia-Herzegovina after their Group F loss to Argentina.
Early sub for Super Eagles
Nigeria's Godfrey Oboabona had to leave the action within half an hour through injury, replaced by Joseph Yobo.
Two missed points
Nigeria dominated their opponents and had considerably more of the ball. The reigning Africa Cup of Nations winners could not find the net. To have done so would have broken a winless streak at World Cups that now dates back seven matches - changing that will almost certainly be necessary to escape Group F. Their next chance is their best one, against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Argentina follows that.
First goalless game in Brazil
Iranian fans took to the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro in numbers, cheering for a goal from their side. Their team, including former Bundesliga attacker Ashkan Dejagah, could not deliver, but might feel proud of a World Cup point. Repeating the feat in their next game, against Messi and Argentina, would be some achievement.