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

10 years ago

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