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U.S. beats Ghana 2-1 despite middling performance from Toronto FC's Michael Bradley

Israel Fehr
(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Michael Bradley enters this World Cup with high expectations. The 26-year-old Toronto FC midfielder is being counted on to be the creative force for the U.S. and a strong showing at the World Cup could help propel Bradley to an international level of stardom as well as further legitimize MLS.

The U.S. opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over Ghana. Clint Dempsey scored 34 seconds in, the fifth fastest goal in World Cup history and substitute John Brooks headed in the winner in the 86th minute four minutes after Ghana had finally equalized. It was a huge result for the Americans but despite the win, Bradley's individual performance was criticized by many on Twitter.

Bradley started at the top of Jurgen Klinsmann's midfield diamond but early on failed to push forward with any consistency. He was not sharp with his passes and allowed Ghana to take control of the midfield. Bradley will have to be better when the U.S. plays Portugal on Sunday, who lost their opening game 4-0 to group favourite Germany.

While some felt that Bradley didn't show up for the game, two fans of Toronto FC certainly did. Cameras caught a pair of TFC jerseys in the crowd in Natal.

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