The USA started the game fairly brightly after a brief attacking spell by Costa Rica, and after a few mild chances, the USA were handed a penalty after Bobby Wood was pushed in the box by a Costa Rica defender as he attempted to meet DeAndre Yedlin's cross. Clint Dempsey stepped up to the penalty spot and left no doubt, scoring the USA's first goal of the tournament and putting them up 1-0 early in this must-win group match.