Metro

New Yorkers celebrate US victory in opening round of World Cup

Delirious soccer fans spilled into the streets of New York City Monday night after the United States scored a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana in the opening round of the World Cup.

“It’s like a Who concert and a Beatles concert combined, ” said James Cannon, who ran out to celebrate after watching the big win at Jack Dempsey’s in Midtown.

The United States got off to a quick start when Clint Dempsey scored for the squad just 32 seconds in.

“People erupted after that first goal,” said Julianne Naso, among the 400 people gathered nearby at Suite 36.

“We have some momentum now. Hopefully, we keep it going.”

Fans were especially jubilant because the US team had lost to Ghana several times in the past.

“Before the game, I thought the US’s chances were slim,” said John McAuliffe. “We really needed to win this game.”

The match nearly slipped away when the United States gave up a late goal to Ghana’s Andre Ayew, who had guaranteed victory before the game.

“When Ghana tied, I thought the US was done,” said Devonte Wheeler.

But Team USA quickly bounced back with its second goal.

“It’s a miracle,” said one man watching at the Galway Pub in Midtown. “Everyone lost their voices eventually.”

In Brooklyn’s Dumbo, a street party erupted underneath the Manhattan Bridge, where hundreds of fans gathered to celebrate and party after the game.

And in Woodside, Queens, more than 100 people packed The Cuckoo’s Nest, where the crowd exploded after the US victory.

“The whole bar went nuts, everyone was screaming,” said Jack Flynn.

“It was wild. A lot people came out tonight just to watch the game and support USA.”

Angela Finnegan said that the game was a great success for the red, white and blue.

“U-S-A all the way!” he proclaimed.

“They were excellent today — really, really strong. They played a great game.

“It’s great for the country. Great for the people of the US.”

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Fans cheer in Rio de Janeiro.
Fans cheer in Rio de Janeiro.AP
Fans react after the win in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fans react after the win in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Getty Images
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Fans Kyle Ohlenschlager, left, and Joe Wasserkrug, right, react after the US national soccer team scored their second goal
Fans Kyle Ohlenschlager, left, and Joe Wasserkrug, right, react after the US national soccer team scored their second goal.AP
Soccer fans celebrate after the USA scores a goal early in their World Cup match against Ghana
Soccer fans celebrate after the USA scores a goal early in their World Cup match against Ghana.AP
US fans cheer for their team as they arrive for the FIFA World Cup 2014 group G preliminary round match between Ghana and the USA at the Estadio Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil
US fans cheer for their team in Natal, Brazil.EPA
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A US fan cheers at the Dunas Arena in Natal.
A US fan cheers at the Dunas Arena in Natal.Getty Images
American soccer fans watch their team play against Ghana on a large screen at the FIFA World Cup Fan Fest on Copacabana beach on June 16 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
American soccer fans watch their team play against Ghana on a large screen at the FIFA World Cup Fan Fest on Copacabana beach on June 16 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Getty Images
Fans cheer in Rio de Janeiro.
Fans cheer in Rio de Janeiro.AP
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American soccer fans react to their team's first goal against Ghana
American soccer fans react to their team's first goal against Ghana. Getty Images
Luke Harris joins other fans in Grant Park in Chicago.
Luke Harris joins other fans in Grant Park in Chicago.Getty Images
Fans react at the WoodWork bar in Brooklyn.
Fans react at the WoodWork bar in Brooklyn.Getty Images
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Fans react at the WoodWork bar in Brooklyn.
Fans react at the WoodWork bar in Brooklyn.Getty Images
A US fan cheers at the Dunas Arena in Natal.
A US fan cheers at the Dunas Arena in Natal.Getty Images
A US fan cheers at the Dunas Arena in Natal.
A US fan cheers at the Dunas Arena in Natal.Getty Images
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A fan sports a US flag in Natal.
A fan sports a US flag in Natal.Getty Images
Fans watch the match in Natal.
Fans watch the match in Natal.Reuters
Fans watch from the pier at Hermosa Beach in California.
Fans watch from the pier at Hermosa Beach in California. Getty Images
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Fans show their spirit at the Dunas Arena.
Fans show their spirit at the Dunas Arena.Getty Images
Fans cheer in Hermosa Beach, Calif.
Fans cheer in Hermosa Beach, Calif. EPA
Soccer fans celebrate after the US team scored to give them a 2-1 lead
Soccer fans celebrate after the US team scored to give them a 2-1 lead. EPA
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Fans react while watching the match at Public Bar in the Tenleytown neighborhood in Washington, DC.
Fans react while watching the match at Public Bar in the Tenleytown neighborhood in Washington, DC. EPA
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A fan dances at the Dunas arena in Natal.
A fan dances at the Dunas arena in Natal.Reuters
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