With Jozy Altidore ruled out of Sunday’s Group G match against Portugal, manager Jurgen Klinsmann has two choices at striker: Aron Johannsson (left), or Chris Wondolowski (right). Credit: ESPN FC
The United States thrilling 2-1 win against Ghana has come at a price.
Striker Jozy Altidore, who sustained a left hamstring strain during the match on Monday, has been ruled out for Sunday’s match against Portugal (6 p.m. on ESPN). This means the United States will be without its strongest body up front. After the loss of Altidore, the U.S. had trouble building a consistent attack.
Aron Johannsson, the Icelandic-American who came on for Altidore after the injury in the 21st minute, is the likely candidate to start against Portugal. The 23-year-old has appeared in 9 international matches for the United States, tallying two goals.
If manager Jurgen Klinsmann decides against Johansson, he has the option to start Chris Wondolowski. Wondolowski, who plays for San Jose Earthquakes of MLS, is a little more experienced internationally with 20 caps. He did not appear in the match against Ghana.
Klinsmann said he hopes for Altidore to return at some point during the World Cup, but did not give a time frame of when this would be.
In other United States news:
Clint Dempsey will play after sustaining a kick to the face against Ghana on Monday. He said to have trouble breathing out of his nose the rest of the game. It will be of concern to the United States however, because their next match against Portugal is in Manaus in the heart of the rainforest, where it is extremely hot and humid. Dempsey will not wear a protective mask.
Matt Besler, who also suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana, is okay and will play against Portugal.
The Nestel Cup 