Ghana dumped the USA out of the World Cup thanks to a controversial penalty in yesterday's final group clash.
Haminu Dramani gave Ghana, who lost their group opener to Italy, the lead after he robbed Claudio Reyna but Clint Dempsey's first-time shot made it 1-1.
Stephen Appiah restored Ghana's lead from a controversial penalty - awarded against USA defender Oguchi Onyewu.
Brian McBride sent a diving header against the post for the USA.
Referee Markus Merk stamped his early mark on the game, booking Eddie Lewis and Michael Essien inside the first six minutes.
With plenty at stake both sides were prepared for a physical battle and Lewis needed treatment for an eyebrow cut, which was caused by John Mensah's stray elbow.
Afterwards, Black Stars coach Ratomir Dujkovic said his side's qualification for the World Cup knockout stages heralds the start of a new era for football in Ghana.
Dujkovic said: "This is a historic moment for us, we are very happy.
"This is a starting point for all Ghanaians, for this group of players and myself. The first time in the World Cup and we come in the world's top 16."
He added: "We didn't play as we usually do but USA are a hard-working team.
"They pushed us hard all the time so we're very satisfied and very happy."
USA coach Bruce Arena turned on ref Merk after the defeat.
Arena said: "We worked really hard to get back in the game. I am disappointed in the ref's judgment of the penalty.
"We would have liked to come out at half-time with a chance to win it."
McBride was also critical of the decision and felt his side were unlucky to come away without at least a point.
He said: "I've rarely seen something like that given."
The defeat meant that the USA finished bottom of Group E, with a solitary point, which was gained against Italy.
The Fulham forward added: "It was a strange game. I felt we were in control for quite some time. They had very few chances but the ones they did get they scored.
"We hit a post, we stuck together and tried to push forward.
"If we had just got that second goal there is no telling what would have happened."
Haminu Dramani gave Ghana, who lost their group opener to Italy, the lead after he robbed Claudio Reyna but Clint Dempsey's first-time shot made it 1-1.
Stephen Appiah restored Ghana's lead from a controversial penalty - awarded against USA defender Oguchi Onyewu.
Brian McBride sent a diving header against the post for the USA.
Referee Markus Merk stamped his early mark on the game, booking Eddie Lewis and Michael Essien inside the first six minutes.
With plenty at stake both sides were prepared for a physical battle and Lewis needed treatment for an eyebrow cut, which was caused by John Mensah's stray elbow.
Afterwards, Black Stars coach Ratomir Dujkovic said his side's qualification for the World Cup knockout stages heralds the start of a new era for football in Ghana.
Dujkovic said: "This is a historic moment for us, we are very happy.
"This is a starting point for all Ghanaians, for this group of players and myself. The first time in the World Cup and we come in the world's top 16."
He added: "We didn't play as we usually do but USA are a hard-working team.
"They pushed us hard all the time so we're very satisfied and very happy."
USA coach Bruce Arena turned on ref Merk after the defeat.
Arena said: "We worked really hard to get back in the game. I am disappointed in the ref's judgment of the penalty.
"We would have liked to come out at half-time with a chance to win it."
McBride was also critical of the decision and felt his side were unlucky to come away without at least a point.
He said: "I've rarely seen something like that given."
The defeat meant that the USA finished bottom of Group E, with a solitary point, which was gained against Italy.
The Fulham forward added: "It was a strange game. I felt we were in control for quite some time. They had very few chances but the ones they did get they scored.
"We hit a post, we stuck together and tried to push forward.
"If we had just got that second goal there is no telling what would have happened."
