Jozy Altidore will not play in U.S. World Cup match vs. Portugal

Jun 16, 2014; Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, BRAZIL; United States forward Jozy Altidore (17) grabs his leg in pain while falling to the ground during the first half of their 2014 World Cup game against Ghana at Estadio das Dunas. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

U.S. forward Jozy Altidore will miss Sunday’s World Cup game against Portugal because of his strained left hamstring.

Altidore was hurt in the 21st minute of Monday’s 2-1 win over Ghana.

“It’s bad news, but I think the team will handle this. We have to handle it.”-midfielder, Jermaine Jones

Altidore will continue undergoing treatment in hopes of returning to match fitness at some point in the tournament, USSF spokesman Michael Kammarman said. However, with two Group G games over the next week, the striker is not expected to play again unless the Americans advance to the knockout stage.

Altidore has started each of the five World Cup matches in which he’s appeared, including four in 2010.

"“We’re extremely bummed for him and the team, but we bring 23 players and so this is just a chance for somebody to step up,” midfielder Kyle Beckerman said."

Defender Matt Besler also exited the Ghana game with a hamstring issue, but he’ll be available in Manaus. U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said Wednesday that the Sporting Kansas City stalwart will be “no problem” for the Portugal match, and U.S. Soccer confirmed that Thursday.

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Despite suffering a broken nose Monday, captain Clint Dempsey is planning to start again this weekend in Manaus. He has not decided whether to wear a protective mask.

Altidore’s absence gives Klinsmann several tactical options. He can start the skillful Aron Johannsson, who filled in against Ghana but was largely ineffective as the U.S. struggled to maintain possession. The manager also can opt for Chris Wondolowski, who’s more of a predatory striker. Or,the U.S. can revert to the 4-2-3-1, the alignment used throughout 2013.

Johannsson, a 23-year-old who was born in Mobile, Alabama, and grew up in Iceland, scored 26 goals last season for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands. Wondolowski, a 31-year-old Californian, led Major League Soccer with 18 regular-season goals in 2010 and 27 in 2012, and tied for lead with 16 in 2011.

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