Live Blogging the World Cup: Ghana 1-2 USA

12:36: Six and a bit hours to go! Klinsmann doesn't think they can do it, but they'll be hungry, especially if the reported pay packet they'll receive is to be believed.

6:02: Just under an hour until we kick off - are you getting excited yet?

6:18: The wait continues...

6:32: Confirmed Line-ups

6:52: Clint Dempsey, eh?

6:59: Dempsey meets Gyan (and gets left hanging by an assistant referee), we're about to get underway!

7:00: Let's go! The two teams meet for the third World Cup in a row.

7:01: DEMPSEY!

7:06: Altidore gets up nicely, unfortunate he couldn't do that more for Sunderland.

7:10: After that stunning opening, things have calmed down. You can tell USA want this, but you can't rule Ghana out at all just yet.

7:13: Following a tremendous season with Everton, Howard's form hasn't slipped - safe hands in his (limited) action so far.

7:15: He's truly been called into action now though, a brilliant save from the USA keeper.

7:19: Altidore with what could have been a great gift for the USA team. He missed a glorious chance there.

7:21: Looks like Altidore's done for the World Cup, with his hamstring going. Devastating for both him and the USA.

7:26: Bedoya fires from range, but it's nowhere near. A good move, a poor finish.

7:28: Joe Biden is in attendance this evening. The more you know, eh?

7:32: With this talk of USA keepers, let us take a minute to remember Brad Friedel with hair.

7:33: Dempsey takes Boye's boot to the nose. Ouch.

7:34: Apparently, a USA supporter has vowed to streak across the field before half if he receives 30k retweets.

7:37: Confirmed strained hamstring for Altidore.

7:39: Ghana looking the more threatening these last few minutes, things are very still tight.

7:42: Whose idea was it to hire Robbie Savage as a commentator? Please don't do this to us.

7:45: Muntari getting his boxing gloves?

7:52: We head to half time with USA leading 1-0.

7:58: If you are sitting there wondering what to do during the half-time... why don't you follow our Football twitter account?

8:00: The USA is also winning the Google Doodle battle, in case you didn't know.

8:02: THIS JUST IN! We have an update on the streaker!

8:04: Let's take this half time opportunity to take one more look at Beckerman's hair.

8:07: We're back!

8:09: We're also... perplexed?

8:10: Biden is in attendance, but Obama has too lent his support.

8:13: Two more celebrities showing their support for USA.

8:17: For all those who are interested in what Alex Morgan is up to (AKA everyone)...

8:19: Kevin Prince-Boateng makes his way onto the pitch - with USA clinging on right now, this isn't the best of news for them.

8:23: Howard looked very happy that one went over.

8:29: Largely one way traffic, but Howard is looking as safe as usual tonight. USA corner on deck.

8:30: He's been on the pitch for just 10 minutes but he's already showing the Ghana manager why he should have started the game.

8:32: Michael Essien makes his way onto the pitch - this experience coming on may prove pivotal.

8:37: Hahaha, great commentary from Guy Mowbray - "great ball in for once!" Ouch.

8:38: Not related to this match, but Mario Balotelli is going in on Facebook!

8:40: We're heading into the last 10 - it's all still to play for.

8:43: Ayew levels with eight to go! Who's going to push on now?

8:47: Never count them out! Brooks heads home to make it 2-1 USA!

8:53: Three to go - can the USA hold on for the three points?!

8:53: On a side note, Is Graham Zusi, Andy Carroll in disguise?

8:56: It's all over - the USA have won their opening match 2-1!

8:58: Uhm what happened to the dude who was supposed to run across the pitch? I want my RT back please...