Posted on 06/20/2014 1:01:30 AM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
SAO PAULO Striker Jozy Altidore will miss the U.S. national teams World Cup match against Portugal on Sunday with a strained left hamstring, a U.S. Soccer Federation spokesperson confirmed.
(Excerpt) Read more at time.com ...
Should their Group D rivals fail to beat Costa Rica, Roy Hodgson's side will be eliminated in the first round for the first time since 1958.
What next for England after loss to Uruguay?
England manager Roy Hodgson was not even in the mood to clutch at the straws being offered at the Arena de Sao Paulo. He carried the air of a man who knew the game was up.
England fans accept inevitable World Cup disappointment
England are not the first team to face imminent exit from the 2014 World Cup but unlike Spain, England's poor showing has been much less of a surprise.
I spoke to several England fans as they trudged out of Sao Paulo's brand-new stadium but rather than anger the overwhelming feeling was resignation at the inevitable disappointment.
Although England is mathematically still in the tournament, few fans thought their team deserved to stay in. And having spent several thousand pounds to get here, those same fans will soon be heading home wondering if it was all worth it.
... But if he calls it a day, is there anyone better?
Fabio Capello, hailing from Italy where these qualities are cherished, always trusted Gareth Barry, but there is no going back to Barry or Michael Carrick and there is no young heir apparent. Jack Wilshere has lots to prove.
The empty cupboard might prompt Hodgson to plead with Gerrard to stay on as the Euro 2016 campaign gets rolling.
It has been a soft-spot in the team for some time. Gerrard has helped to mask it.
At times he looks comfortable in there but often he does not, especially against fluent teams like Italy and Uruguay.
It has been laid bare. It is another six. Pause.
Perhaps even a five.
Gutted with the score, but so pleased @WayneRooney scored and his boys were here to see it!!— Coleen Rooney (@ColeenRoo) June 19, 2014
Rooney's First Career World Cup Goal Not Enough
One moment, Wayne Rooney madly celebrated the triumph of ending years of criticism for his World Cup struggles. Then, the England striker left the field with his head down in disappointment.
... A stone-faced Rooney didn't stop to speak to reporters afterward in the mixed zone area, offering a polite, "No, sorry."
Nike Football: Risk Everythinggoing out...
A stone-faced Rooney didn't stop to speak to reporters afterward in the mixed zone area, offering a polite, "No, sorry."
Uruguay's Suarez celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against England
Luis Suarez consoles England's Steven Gerrard after Uruguay's 2-1 victory over England
Uruguay 2:1 England Match Highlights
Uruguay 2-1 England (photos)
Team | P | W | D | L | +/- | Pts | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Costa Rica | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
2. | Italy | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
3. | Uruguay | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 3 |
4. | England | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Against Uruguay, his singular moment of invention came about amid a more productive output of two successful tackles out of five, an early interception, two blocks and three clearances as Englands inability to control the game descended into a need for fire fighters deep within their own half.
<a href="http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186468/index.html">Colombia 2:1 Côte d'Ivoire Match Highlights
Scoreless Draw Keeps Japan and Greece Alive
Greece promised goals that didn't come. Japan pressed for a victory that eluded them yet again.
The ultimate result of what has turned out to be a rarity at this World Cup a 0-0 draw is that Colombia is guaranteed to move on to the knockout rounds and Greece and Japan are still clinging to life in Group C.
Japan 0:0 Greece Match Highlights
Meanwhile, France take on Switzerland with both sides knowing a win will put them in control of Group E.
Italy v Costa Rica
Switzerland v France
Honduras v Ecuador
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