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SBI Monday Rewind: Altidore is back; Suarez apologizes; Germany rolls on; and more

Jurgen Klinsmann

Photo by John Todd/ISIPhotos.com

By CAITLIN MURRAY

Jozy Altidore is back. At least U.S. Soccer announced Monday that Altidore will be available to play when the U.S. enters the knockout round against Belgium Tuesday — but coach Jurgen Klinsmann isn’t giving too much away about what Altidore’s role might be. Klinsmann was, however, willing to share his concerns with reporters about the referee selected for that match — an Algerian who speaks more French than English, which could be an advantage for the Belgians. Klinsmann said Djamel Haimoudi officiated his first two group matches of the World Cup well and hoped that would continue, rather than let the U.S.’s defeat of Algeria four years ago sway any decisions.

As if anyone was waiting for Luis Suarez’s admission of guilt before judging what happened, the Uruguayan powerhouse finally admitted that he did, in fact, bite Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during their group stage showdown. Suarez’s apology probably won’t help him much with the nine-game international ban and four month soccer ban handed down by FIFA, but Chiellini still responded on Twitter that the incident was “forgotten” and he hoped FIFA would reduce the suspension.

And the World Cup delivered some predictable results, but again forced things past the first 90 minutes as it looked like Germany was unable to breakdown Algeria. It was in extra time that the Germans put the game away to advance to the quarterfinals. France had an easier time of handling Nigeria, but not as much as the scoreline might seem as the African nation put up a spirited challenge.

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

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

Who should the USMNT start vs. Belgium?

Klinsmann tight-lipped over Altidore’s potential role vs. Belgium

Klinsmann not thrilled with FIFA’s appointment of Algerian referee

The SBI Show: Episode 151 (Recapping USA-Germany, previewing USA-Belgium, and more)

WORLD CUP

Suarez admits bite, apologizes to Chiellini

Miller ruled out of World Cup quarterfinals with injury

Germany scores twice in extra time to survive Algeria scare

SBI World Cup Man of the Match: André Schürrle

France advances to quarterfinals after holding off Nigeria

SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Paul Pogba

World Cup Round of 16: Your Running Commentary

World Cup Round of 16: A Look Ahead

SBI 2014 World Cup Diary: Entry 4

NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE

NWSL Week 12: A Look Back

EUROPEAN SOCCER

Rapid Vienna confirms Boyd transfer to RB Leipzig

Gyau completes move to Borussia Dortmund II

 

Comments

  1. Man, I forgot to bring the KoolAid in with me this AM, like the previous posters.

    I do think it will be a great game.

    GO USA !

    Reply
  2. Another BIG game, another chance to excel, leave a legacy, and become a legend. THIS is what we play for. Sure hope MB shows up big time today and Jones can maintain the level he has been at. Would LOVE to advance to the Quarters and play Argentina, but, first things first. We have to play hard and disciplined against Belgium to earn the right to do that. Should be a great game. GO USA!!

    Reply
  3. Exactly Ali. Stick in!!

    Don’t want to roll out a whole line up, but i would not be surprised if Klinsi drops some quirks in the starting XI..a la … like Yedlin or Chandler on the right….Mix or Iceman underneath deuce. What we have been doing won’t get it done at this juncture.

    Come on boys!!!!!!

    Reply
  4. So here it is.

    For the first timsince 2010, we have no targets. We have set many…

    Gold Cup (Won back with style)
    Another Dos-a-Cero (ho hum– had to miss a penalty this time!)
    Achieving World Cup Qualification (First Place again)
    Beating Ghana (Vanquished the White Whale)
    And advancement from the Group of Death (Take that, Goldman Sachs!)

    Now we are in that place that almost never comes. No more targets. No more expectations. No more “they’d better do this or else”.

    That is the place where you can accomplish great things. They have the motivation… now they have the freedom. Eff fear. The only question our boys have left is “How great would you like to be?”.

    I do not know what will happen. Belgium have a great group of players. But I do not want a single one of them. We have a great team and they will be fine. Which is more than I can say for my neighbors eardrums.

    LET’S GO YANKS!!!!!!!!

    Reply

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