NUREMBERG, Germany – There was no glory for the United States at this year’s World Cup, only frustration and failure. The Americans lost to Ghana 2-1 Thursday in a game they had to win to advance past the tournament’s first round.

This was a bitter end for the United States, which carried high hopes – and a No. 5 world ranking from FIFA – onto soccer’s biggest stage. Four years ago, the Americans made the quarterfinals and this time had even bigger plans.

It didn’t take long for them to fall behind – an ominous sign since the U.S. has never won a World Cup game in which it trailed. Haminu Draman put the West Africans ahead in the 22nd minute.

The United States tied it in the 43rd minute when Clint Dempsey smashed a 10-yard shot off a perfect cross from DaMarcus Beasley. His dancing celebration was short lived – the game turned just before halftime on a call that stunned U.S. coach Bruce Arena.

Battling for a header, American defender Oguchi Onyewu pushed Razak Pimpong on the edge of the penalty area. Germany’s Markus Merk, one of the world’s top-rated officials, awarded a penalty shot as Arena buried his face in his hands. Keller dived to his left, but Ghana captain Stephen Appiah crushed the ball high to the goalkeeper’s right.

“We would have liked to come out at halftime even, with a chance to win the game,” Arena said. “That was a big call.”

Most calls went for the Americans – the Black Stars outfouled them 32-16 – but they were unable to build many dangerous chances in the second half.

“The worst part is the finality of it,” said midfielder Landon Donovan. “Even during the game, you don’t get the sense this is it. Then the whistle blows and it’s over.”

Four years ago, the Americans were the satisfied ones with their best showing since 1930. This time, they reverted to their form of 1998 in France, when they finished last overall.

Dempsey played a back pass to Reyna, and the U.S. captain collided with Draman left knee to left knee, crumpling to the ground in pain. As Reyna fell, Draman rushed in against Keller and from 10 yards hooked the ball into the corner of the net beyond the diving goalkeeper.

Reyna was taken off the field on a stretcher but returned in the 26th minute. Still grimacing, Reyna left what will likely be his last World Cup game just before halftime and was replaced by Ben Olsen.

After stealing the ball just past midfield, Beasley made a short run and sent a pinpoint cross in front of the goal. Racing ahead of Habib Mohamed, Dempsey one-timed the ball with his right foot from 10 yards. Victory no longer seemed farfetched, then moments later, the Americans fell behind for good on the disputed penalty.

“Takes the wind out of your sails,” Dempsey said.