Photo by John Todd/ISIPhotos.com
By CAITLIN MURRAY
One more game. That’s all that is standing between the U.S. Men’s National Team and a berth into the World Cup’s Round of 16. They will face Germany Thursday for the final Group G match and, for the USMNT’s large German-American continent, it will be a special one, SBI’s Franco Panizo reported from Brazil. Though a draw will be enough for the USMNT to advance, the whole squad is out to win and believe they can top the group.
For star striker Luis Suarez, his Uruguay team is already qualified for the Round of 16 — but he may not be going with him. FIFA formally charged Suarez with biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during their final group match and a decision should come soon from FIFA’s disciplinary panel on whether he is guilty of the act. He faces a two-game minimum ban, but it could be as much as two years.
In World Cup results, Lionel Messi continues to carry Argentina on his back and his side finally enjoyed an attacking win during this World Cup, pushing past Nigeria, 3-2. Messi is on a goal-scoring spree and with Argentina advancing, he may have more to show. Meanwhile, Ecuador fell short of advancing and Bosnia & Herzegovina were knocked out too, but found their first-ever win in a World Cup match.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI today:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM:
Who should the USMNT start vs. Germany?
USMNT’s German-Americans preparing for emotional match vs. Germany
USMNT out for a win against Germany in crucial Group G finale
The SBI Show: Episode 150 (Recapping USA-Portugal, previewing USA-Germany)
Video: Klinsmann discusses crucial match vs. Germany
U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM:
Gulati: U.S. Soccer to address Solo’s arrest for alleged assault soon
WORLD CUP:
FIFA opens disciplinary inquiry into Suarez World Cup biting incident
Argentina pushes past Nigeria in back-and-forth goal fest to top Group F
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Lionel Messi
10-man Ecuador fall short of advancing in scoreless draw with France
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Alexander Dominguez
Bosnia and Herzegovina find first World Cup win against Iran
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Miralem Pjanic
Switzerland cruise past Honduras, finish second in Group E
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Xherdan Shaqiri
SBI 2014 World Cup Diary: Entry 3
World Cup Day 14: Your Running Commentary
World Cup Day 14: A Look Ahead
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER:
MLS Ticker: Timbers sign third DP; Xavi linked again with NYC FC; and more
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER:
Wednesday Kickoff: Prandelli steps down; Lugano calls Chiellini a ‘coward’; and more