By CAITLIN MURRAY
The thrills from Brazil just keep coming. It was Lionel Messi’s turn Sunday to grab the spotlight, netting his first World Cup goal in eight years. That goal would lift Argentina over World Cup first-timer Bosnia and Herzegovina in front of a very rowdy pro-Argentina crowd in Rio de Janeiro, giving the world class player a special moment. Elsewhere, CONCACAF suffered its first defeat of the tournament as France beat a 10-man Honduras.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Men’s National Team is preparing for its first appearance of the 2014 World Cup and players are eager to put a rest to doubts about the inexperienced back line, SBI staffer Franco Panizo reported from Brazil.
In a shocking turn of events at the Open Cup, the New York Red Bulls were beat handily by the New York Cosmos, and Real Salt Lake coach Jeff Cassar had some harsh words after his side lost to the Atlanta Silverbacks.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI today:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
USMNT confident that inexperienced back line has talent to do job at World Cup
Who should the USMNT start vs. Ghana?
WORLD CUP
Messi breaks World Cup drought, lifts Argentina to victory over Bosnia
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Lionel Messi
Benzema fuels France to a dismantling of 10-man Honduras
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Karim Benzema
Seferovic snatches victory for Switzerland with stoppage-time winner
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Haris Seferovic
SBI 2014 World Cup Diary: Entry 1
World Cup Day 4: Your Running Commentary
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
RSL, Red Bulls, Chivas fall to NASL teams in Open Cup fourth round