Top Stories

SBI Tuesday Rewind: Alitdore still out; Costa Rica tops group; a bite heard ’round the world; and more

Jozy Altidore

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By CAITLIN MURRAY

As the U.S. Men’s National Team stares down a make-or-break match against Germany, they will again be without one their best assets: Forward Jozy Altidore. As expected, Altidore will not be eligible Thursday, although SBI’s Franco Panizo reported from Brazil that coach Jurgen Klinsmann left the door open on Altidore returning if the U.S. advances beyond Germany.

Meanwhile, the 2014 World Cup shocks keep coming, and the final round of Group D had more than one. First, CONCACAF’s Costa Rica won the group and advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time since 1990. It was a shock for Italy, who were surprisingly sent home in a loss to Uruguay. But to add insult to injury, Uruguay’s Luis Suarez appeared to bite Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini — Suarez’s third time being caught biting opposing players — without being carded.

And Greece made some history in Group C, advancing to the knockout round for the first time ever whilst Colombia stayed perfect in their group.

Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI today:

WORLD CUP:
Must-See Video: Suarez bites Chiellini during final Group D match

Uruguay controversially take down Italy to advance to knockout stage

SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Diego Godín

Greece ousts Ivory Coast on last-minute penalty kick

SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Georgios Samaras

Colombia routs Japan for perfect run through Group C

SBI World Cup Man of the Match: James Rodriguez

England finishes winless as Costa Rica tops Group D in scoreless draw

SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Giancarlo Gonzalez

Marquez turns back the clock to spur Mexico onto victory

World Cup Day 13: Your Running Commentary

World Cup Day 13: A Look Ahead

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM:
Altidore won’t make return from hamstring injury vs. Germany

INTERNATIONAL SOCCER:
Tuesday Kickoff: Man United close in on Herrera; Barca make Kroos offer; and more

 

Comments

  1. If Altidore isn’t going to be able to play and for some odd reason AJ or Wondo are not trusted enough to take his place in the diamond mid 4-4-2 why did we bring them along? Boyd and Eddie Johnson (even Landon Donovan) are available as forwards, that were part of the 30 man call-in, why are we not using them? The lone striker roll and counter attacks will not work against Germany. Our greatest defense is some offense. If we just sit back and do damage control and flood the midfield the DAMAGE will be severe. Or am I seeing this all wrong?….lol.

    Reply
    • the system worked pretty well against portugal…but who knows JK may switch it up and youll see aj next to clint. The diamond thing does not seem to be our best option as you lose either beckerman or jones.

      Reply
    • “Boyd and Eddie Johnson (even Landon Donovan) are available as forwards, that were part of the 30 man call-in, why are we not using them?”

      23 man roster is frozen 24 hours before beginning of first match. The die is cast.

      Reply
  2. I can’t believe one of Greece and Costa Rica will be in the quarterfinals of the World Cup… And we’ll (god willing, knock on wood) have to play Belgium… After being in the group of death… Well, to be fair to Costa Rica, their group was no cakewalk either. And they didn’t blow their leads. But still.

    Reply
      • Posted on June 24, 2014 by Rexx Diskerud of the False K9

        NATAL – More and more it seems pedigree alone will not decide best-in-show at Brazil 2014.

        Following a cagey contest with plenty of bark and at least one show-stopping bite, four-times champions Italy took their place among the ranks of celebrated European purebreds to find themselves escorted to the kennel without so much as a view of the winners’ circle. And while their adversaries on this day had at least a pair of dusty gold ribbons of their own to ease the day’s disappointment, few could help but ponder how the unheralded and barely documented mutt from Costa Rica somehow won right to strut into knockout stage wearing the gilded collar, deserved winners of the vaunted Group D.

        For the Azzuri, the exit is a shock even as they take their places alongside holders and fellow Euro 2012 co-finalists Spain on the lonely flight back to Europe, left to lick their wounds and contemplate could have gone wrong in the wake of a clinical opening defeat of popular pub mascots England, (who must themselves wonder how much longer they will permitted to remain amongst the increasingly accomplished group of thoroughbreds presently accumulating in the cargo hold of the return jet to UEFA). While many expected a challenge from the remaining fixtures, few expected that Costa Rica would muzzle the Italians so effectively, and the largely toothless showing against Uruguay featured little of the tails-up endeavor or rabid attacking impetus that had been expected from the Prandelli-era Azzuri sides (though there have since been reports of Chiellini foaming at the mouth). In the end, not much signified the end. Not a howl. Nor even a whimper. Just a press conference, a pat on the back, a flight home and the occasional, hollow “good boy” from an autograph hound.

        For this group. For these fans. A cold, tough bone to gnaw on.

        While few would recommend euthanasia for this talented group, the search for new master and trainer must begin ahead of schedule. Indeed, while the post-match resignations of manager Cesare Prandelli and Italian FA boss Giancarlo Abete mean the two may yet sample the mouth watering churrasco on offer in the vibrant parties in and around the competition venues, their once-celebrated greyhounds will return home to a bitterly disappointed fanbase, and will likely have to explain more than bite marks after a performance painfully lacking in new tricks.

        After 2012, Italy had every reason to believe could be the dog to beat in Brazil. And yet somehow, as in 2010, they looked more like the hydrant. Perhaps this group has simply had their day.

    • “Well, to be fair to Costa Rica, their group was no cakewalk either. And they didn’t blow their leads.”

      This. Props to CRC.

      Reply

Leave a Reply to beachbum Cancel reply