In a move that surprised no one, U.S. men’s national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann confirmed Tuesday that striker Jozy Altidore will not suit up for the team’s final group-play game at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The U.S. takes on Germany on Thursday, with both teams still looking to secure passage through to the knockout stage.
Altidore, who strained his left hamstring during Team USA’s win over Ghana last Monday, did not play in Sunday’s draw with Portugal. With one of his top goal-scoring threats out of commission, Klinsmann shifted to a one-striker lineup for that second game, starting midfielder Graham Zusi over forwards Aron Johannsson and Chris Wondolowski.
The U.S. can advance out of group play for the second consecutive World Cup with a win or draw against Germany, or by losing to the Germans but winning a tiebreaker over Ghana and Portugal.
Photo via Twitter/@FIFAWorldCup
