Two of the United States’ best attacking players suffered injuries in the team’s thrilling 2-1 win over Ghana in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, and at least one of them will be ready for Sunday’s game against Portugal.
American midfielder Clint Dempsey, who scored U.S. soccer’s fastest World Cup goal on Tuesday, will play against Portugal despite a broken nose.
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U.S. forward Jozy Altidore suffered a left hamstring strain in the first half against Ghana and had to be stretchered off the field. His status for Portugal’s game is unknown at this point.
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Matt Besler picked up a right hamstring injury and his replacement John Brooks scored the game-winning goal. Team USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann said Besler will be ready for Sunday’s game.
While the injuries are piling up for the Americans, Portugal also is dealing with some lineup issues. Its best central defender, Pepe, will not play against the United States because of a one-game red card suspension he received for headbutting Germany’s Thomas Muller on Monday.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo — arguably the best player in the world — left practice Wednesday because of a knee injury that has been bothering him for a few weeks.
