:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34485811/450713846.0.jpg)
If it's not a soccer game, I don't have time to read about it right now. Lucky for you, that means I still read several things worth sharing:
Evans Wants D.C. United Hearing Recessed for World Cup Game | Loose Lips
The local political scuttlebutt section of the Washington City Paper has found out that Ward 2 councilmember Jack Evans tried to hook soccer fans up with a recess during the first D.C. United stadium hearing (that's June 26th, the same day as USA-Germany). Evans wrote to council chair Phil Mendelson to propose recessing the hearing and showing the game in the council chambers. Mendelson, however, seems disinterested in the idea.
What it felt like in the stadium when USA beat Ghana | SBNation.com/soccer
Our man Ryan Rosenblatt is in Brazil and was in Arena das Dunas for the US's 2-1 win over Ghana. This is his firsthand report. If you read any of these links, read this one.
Jozy Altidore will be back for this World Cup, Jurgen Klinsmann says | SBNation.com
Klinsmann thinks that Altidore's injury is not the worst-case scenario, and that he has a chance of playing again before all is said and done. In more positive news, Klinsi declared Matt Besler ready to go against Portugal.
Fabio Coentrao's World Cup over | ESPNFC.com
While most of the talk about Portugal before the tournament centered on Cristiano Ronaldo, the fact that they start two Real Madrid stars in defense was swept under the rug. Well, it turns out that lack of attention was completely reasonable, because Pepe went and Pepe'd himself a red card, and later left back Coentrao went down in a lot of pain. His injury will keep him out for over a month, which means he won't be fit to face the USMNT. Look for Andre Almeida - the Almeida without the remarkable mustache - to deputize.
Rui Patricio injured, could miss match against USA | SBNation.com/soccer
Oh, right, and also Portugal's #1 is looking doubtful for Sunday's game. At this rate, Portugal will just be glad to show up with enough players to legally start the game (that threshold is eight, by the way).
Explosion hits Nigeria World Cup gathering | SBNation.com/soccer
Terrible news out of Nigeria, as a reported suicide bombing has taken lives at a World Cup viewing event in the troubled northeastern section of the country.
Xavi "signs pre-contract with Al Arabi" | ESPNFC.com
All transfer rumors are flimsy, but this one's worth noting due to previous links sending Xavi to the Metros or the Fightin' Acronyms of NYCFC.
In the words of Andre 3000, that's about as far as I got. This is your open thread, do with it as you will.