Global Sports: Will Gooch And Altidore Be Ready For England?

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Will Gooch And Altidore Be Ready For England?

By Dave Peltzner


With the World Cup only days away, there are several key injuries the USA has recently been dealing with. There's a big question mark over the strong arm defender Oguchi Onyewu and the magical striker, Jozy Altidore. However, it looks like both of these studs have recovered and are ready to rock against England.

Altidore sprained an ankle less than one week ago. This has given him only two weeks to recover and get back to form before England's match. American fans were in a panic, but it looks like its OK! It's a blessing that Onyewu was able to recover. His injury was quite serious; a ruptured patellar tendon. Many thought he would not recover in time for the World Cup.

Onyewu, also known as Gooch is ready to face England. He's recent statements sound promising as he's assured American fans that he's fit enough to start and go for 90 minutes.

He's only had a couple of games to test it out, but he's been involved in all activities during practice. His first game back against Turkey he did seem rusty, but at least he got to shake off the rust (that's what the fans are hoping!).

Just one week after Jozy Altidore sprained his ankle, he's back in training. His ankle was a bit sore after practice, but he says he's feeling great. American fans are really hoping that he is indeed feeling great, but time will tell.

Over the past years, the American back line has been extremely strong and consistent. Gooch was a huge part of this back line, but considering he hasn't played a full 90 minutes in 8 month, there's going to be a question mark on the American defense. As confident as he is about his health, it's still going to take time to get to full form.

Gooch has marked up some of the best in the World, but Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch are a dangerous duo. If he's able to hold his own against these guys, at least that's a positive sign of what's to come with the rest of the group stage.

American fans can only hope we see the same quality of play they've produced in last summers Confederations Cup. Many want to forget about the last World Cup, but 2002 was a huge success. Anything less than producing those same results, American fans won't be happy!




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