Altidore out versus Portugal
Also likely to miss next week’s Germany match
Jozy Altidore will miss the Americans’ World Cup game against Portugal on Sunday because of his strained left hamstring and appears likely to sit out next week’s match against Germany.
The U.S. probably needs to advance to the knockout phase if the forward is to return to the tournament.
“He’s a big player for us,” midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. “We’re extremely bummed for him and for the team, but we bring 23 players, and it’s just a chance for somebody to step up. Hopefully the injury’s not too bad and we can see Jozy later in the tournament.”
U.S. team spokesman Michael Kammarman did not reveal the severity of the strain. The Americans have just three days off between this weekend’s game in Manaus and their first-round finale in Recife on June 26.
Aron Johannsson replaced Altidore for the second half against Ghana. Chris Wondolowski is the other striker who could join Clint Dempsey in the attack.
“He can score from anything, score when you think there’s nothing, no chance, and next thing you know he scores,” Beckerman said. “He works his tail off for the guy behind him. He does a lot of things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.”
Buffon, Barzagli doubtful
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and center back Andrea Barzagli remain in doubt for today’s World Cup match against Costa Rica.
Buffon twisted his left ankle and knee before the Azzurri’s opening game against England and watched from the bench as Salvatore Sirigu filled in admirably for him in a 2-1 win.
Coach Cesare Prandelli says Buffon “has had three great days of training but the ankle is still slightly swollen. If he feels good after today’s training he’ll play.”
Barzagli was held out of training Wednesday due to a tendinitis problem that bothered him all season with Juventus.
If Barzagli can’t play, Leonardo Bonucci could take over in defense alongside Giorgio Chiellini.
Martins Indi hospitalized
Netherlands defender Bruno Martins Indi remained behind in Porto Alegre after sustaining a suspected concussion in the 3-2 win over Australia.
While the squad traveled back to its base in Rio de Janeiro and trained Thursday, Martins Indi stayed overnight in the hospital for observation after he was hurt in a tackle by Tim Cahill in Wednesday’s Group B game.
He was expected to rejoin his teammates later Thursday in Rio.
Kompany strains groin
Belgium captain Vincent Kompany missed training on Thursday because of a groin strain, three days ahead of his team’s Group H game against Russia.
Kompany stands at the heart of the Belgium defense and missing the Manchester City stalwart would be a big handicap for the group leader.
Coach Marc Wilmots called it a “slight” strain and said Kompany was working on a program with the medical staff .
Mexico fans investigated
FIFA said it was investigating claims that Mexico fans chanted anti-gay slurs during their opening match against Cameroon.
FIFA said “disciplinary proceedings were opened against Mexico for improper conduct of spectators” last Friday.
The same chants were heard during Mexico’s second match against Brazil in Fortaleza on Tuesday. They are often heard at matches is Mexico, usually as a keeper takes a goal kick.
“FIFA takes a firm, zero-tolerance stand against any form of discrimination or racism,” FIFA said in a statement.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Brazil President Dilma Rousseff have pledged to use the World Cup as a platform to fight racism and discrimination.