Photo by John Todd/ISIPhotos.com
By CAITLIN MURRAY
After Landon Donovan blamed a lack of vision from coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the U.S. Men’s National Team failing to make it to the World Cup quarterfinals, everyone seemed to have an opinion about Donovan’s comments. But for DeAndre Yedlin, who experienced a breakout World Cup with the U.S., Donovan’s criticism didn’t ring true. Instead, Yedlin said Klinsmann put the right players on the field at the right time and poor individual performances weren’t Klinsmann’s fault.
One player who didn’t appear in the USMNT’s final match against Belgium was forward Aron Johannsson, and it seems now it may have been because he wasn’t 100 percent. A spokesman for AZ Alkmaar confirmed Friday that Johannsson will undergo ankle surgery soon and be out for as long as eight weeks. The spokesman said he didn’t know when the injury occurred because it happened while Johannsson was with the USMNT.
Meanwhile, the World Cup continues for Brazil, but not as they had hoped. In a devastating blow to the World Cup hosts, superstar striker Neymar is out for the rest of the World Cup. Brazil won over Colombia on Friday, 2-1, but a late challenge from behind by Camilo Zuñiga fractured Neymar’s vertebrae, all but ensuring his World Cup is over. Zuñiga defended his high-flying tackle from behind, telling reporters it was “a normal move” and not meant to injure anyone.
Here is a rundown of all the stories featured on SBI today:
U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Yedlin disagrees with Donovan comments slamming Klinsmann’s approach
Johannsson scheduled to undergo ankle surgery, will miss 6-8 weeks
WORLD CUP
Neymar ruled out of the World Cup
Brazil holds off Colombia in quarterfinal thriller
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: David Luiz
Germany defeats France to advance to 4th straight World Cup semifinals
SBI World Cup Man of the Match: Mats Hummels
World Cup quarterfinals: A Look Ahead
World Cup and MLS: Your Running Commentary
SBI 2014 World Cup Diary: Entry 5
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Report: Beckham to meet with Broward County about potential soccer-specific stadium
CONCACAF Champions League group schedule released
Crew, Rapids finish locked in stalemate
Dynamo battle back to tie Red Bulls
RSL halts losing streak with win over Revs
NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE
NWSL Ticker: Gulati talks Solo’s status after arrest; Waldrum takes national team job; and more
EUROPEAN SOCCER
Friday Kickoff: FIFA engulfed in ticket scandal; Rodriguez valued at €75 million; and more