By CAITLIN MURRAY
For 120+ minutes on Saturday, the 2014 World Cup favorites weren’t looking much like a sure thing. After being outplayed by Chile for much of the Round of 16 opener, Brazil eked by in a penalty kick shootout and the host nation’s citizenry was able to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Meanwhile, whatever firepower Uruguay was missing in ousted serial biter Luis Suarez, Colombia had in spades in the form of James Rodriguez, who tallied a brace. Now, Colombia advances to the quarterfinals for the first time ever.
For the U.S. Men’s National Team, who continue their World Cup run against Belgium on Tuesday, Jermaine Jones has emerged as a surprise leader and reliable core of the midfield. SBI’s Franco Panizo heard from coach Jurgen Klinsmann on Jones’s impact over the group stage. Meanwhile, Klinsmann also shared his penalty kick philosophy as the U.S. looks ahead to the knockout round.
And Major League Soccer is back. For teams like Real Salt Lake, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the San Jose Earthquakes, they may have wished the World Cup hiatus lasted a bit longer. But the Seattle Sounders extended their winning streak, the Colorado Rapids recovered from a surprising Open Cup exit and Erick Torres scored a golazo in a Chivas USA win.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI today:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Impressive Jones providing USMNT leadership at World Cup
Klinsmann talks penalty kick approach as knockout phase draws near
USMNT World Cup Group Stage: Player Grades
WORLD CUP
Brazil survives, defeats Chile in thrilling penalty kick shootout
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: James RodrĂguez
Colombia topples Uruguay to reach first World Cup quarterfinals
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Julio Cesar
Belgium defender Vanden Borre ruled out of World Cup
World Cup Round of 16: Your Running Commentary
World Cup Round of 16: A Look Ahead
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Sounders extend unbeaten streak, beat D.C. United at RFK Stadium
Galaxy hold off Earthquakes to win opening edition of Cali Clasico
Masterful Torres volley gives Chivas edge against 10-man RSL
Rapids snap Whitecaps unbeaten streak, bounce back from Open Cup loss
Crew match postponed after fan struck by lightning
Le Toux nets brace as Union top Revolution in Curtin’s debut
MLS Week 16: Your Running Commentary
OPEN CUP
U.S. Open Cup Fifth Round Recap: Fights, upsets, and more
I would not count out green getting minutes before this thing is over. Mix has yet to take the pitch and yet I expect he will contribute to a goal against Belgium. Didn’t pele not even hardly play in his first group stages. The fact that other young players have contributed already should tell us that all players are ready for selection, even the youngest of the bunch.
I was totally wrong about my predictions about Julian Green. Not only did he not start at least 2 of the group games or score any goals he never even got on the field. I lost all bets and I didn’t know what I was talking about.
Where is all the Julian Green coverage?
Hear hear ol’ chap! Julian Green is a fellow of the highest order. He most certainly is deserving of a starting position in the grand USA soccer squad.
Hear he’s been keeping busy filling water coolers and cleaning cleats for the other guys.