Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com
By CAITLIN MURRAY
While John Brooks was reveling in his first goal with the U.S. Men’s National Team — a goal he had dreamed about scoring just two nights before the game — coach Jurgen Klinsmann was answering questions about player fitness, SBI staffer Franco Panizo reported from Brazil. During a huge win over Ghana to open their 2014 World Cup campaign, Clint Dempsey’s nose was broken in a high-kicking challenge while Jozy Altidore and Matt Besler both suffered hamstring injuries, which were not caused by over-training, Klinsmann said.
Meanwhile, Portugal — the Americans’ next group opponent — has some of their own injury woes. Starting left back Fabio Coentrão, a key piece of Portugal’s defense, will be out for the World Cup with a muscle tear. Portugal had already lost Pepe, who will serve out a one-game red card suspension when they play the U.S. Sunday.
In other World Cup action, Mexico fought their way to a scoreless draw with World Cup favorites and host Brazil, putting El Tri in good position to advance out of their group.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI today:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Klinsmann provides updates on injured USMNT trio
Jones draws rave reviews after stellar showing vs. Ghana
USMNT left battered and bruised following physical affair with Ghana
Brooks makes dream a reality by scoring late World Cup winner
WORLD CUP
Portugal defender Coentrão out for World Cup
Mexico rallies behind Ochoa in scoreless draw with Brazil
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Guillermo Ochoa
Fellaini, Mertens come off the bench to save Belgium in win over Algeria
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Marouane Fellaini
Akinfeev error dooms Russia to draw with South Korea
World Cup Day 6: Your Running Commentary