Jozy Altidore Out vs. Germany, Could Play in Round of 16 if US Advances

Jozy Altidore, the US forward who pulled a hamstring 20 minutes into his World Cup opener against Ghana and hasn’t been seen since, will miss Thursday’s crucial game against Germany.

Altidore, the best striker option for the Americans, might play if the US advances to the Round of 16, coach Jurgen Klinsmann told the media this morning. Altidore, 24, is irreplaceable up front for the US, so the team added a midfielder – Graham Zusi – in his place against Portugal, to enhance the team’s ball control. One could argue fortifying the midfield worked, as the US offensive attack was significantly improved against Portugal. However, they fell behind 1-0 just five minutes in, so there was more of a need for offense than there was after grabbing a 1-0 lead just :30 in against Ghana.