Jozy Altidore Ruled Out Against Germany

The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest spectacles in all of sports and the United States will look to advance to the round of 16 on Thursday, but will be without their star striker Jozy Altidore. Altidore injured his hamstring early on in the team’s group opener against Ghana and will miss his second consecutive game Thursday.

The United States was just seconds away from advancing into the knockout stage on Sunday, but a late header from Silvestre Varela stunned the United States and forces them into a difficult predicament. The team had hoped to solidify their spot in the next round allowing Altidore to be fully healed for his return; however, the continued pressure to advance had his status in question.

Still, the team will be without their starting striker and more than likely remain in the 4-5-1 formation that created numerous opportunities against Portugal. The US will have only three days to rest and recover prior to their critical matchup with Germany.

On top of the possibility of advancing, the game holds even more meaning for  head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, whose squaring off against his former country in what will be a make or break moment in his tenure. Both teams have a lot to play for Thursday and will be closely eyeing the scoreboard

as Ghana and Portugal play simultaneously. Nonetheless, good luck to the entire United States team! I believe that we will win!