Clint Dempsey scores the U.S.'s fastest ever World Cup goal

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U.S. captain Clint Dempsey gave his side an unbelievable World Cup start by scoring just 29 seconds into their first match against Ghana. The stunning goal came off a throw-in and Dempsey went around one defender as he charged towards goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey and slotted his shot in off the far post.

This is the fastest goal the U.S. has ever scored in a World Cup and the fifth fastest scored by any team in the tournament's history. The fastest was Hakan Sukur's for Turkey against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup's third-place match. It also marks the third consecutive World Cup in which Dempsey has scored.

It's the kind of start that if it happened in a dream, you would immediately realize you were dreaming and wake up. But scoring early carries its own set of dangers and the strong attack of Ghana then maintained possession and had an endless supply of shots to challenge U.S. goalkeeper TIm Howard.

U.S striker Jozy Altidore and defender Matt Besler both had to leave the match early with hamstring and Ghana finally found an equalizer in the 82nd minute from Andre Ayew. But the U.S. struck back with a goal from John Brooks, who came on at halftime for Besler, off a corner kick in the 85th minute. The U.S. won 2-1 and for both the fans and players that fact will probably take some time to sink in.

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Brooks Peck is the editor of Dirty Tackle on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him or follow on Twitter! Follow @BrooksDT