Emotions run deep for TFC’s Bradley
The emotions will run deep for Toronto FC star midfielder Michael Bradley as he lines up for the U. S. against Ghana at the World Cup on Monday.
“Representing your country is such an incredible honour, for any athlete to be able to walk out on a field, on a court, representing your country, wearing the colours, hearing the national anthem before the game,” Bradley said. “It’s the biggest thing that any of us do, because you’re representing an entire nation — and everything that goes along with that. It’s a responsibility, it’s an honour and it’s something that gives us all such great pride.”
Just 26, Bradley enters the tournament with 86 caps to rank 20th on the U. S. all- time list. His next appearance will bump him up one place on that ledger, tying him with Steve Cherundolo.
Brazil’s hurting Hulk leaves training
Brazil’s starting striker Hulk left the team’s training session with an apparent muscle injury in his left leg on Sunday, two days before his side faces Mexico at the World Cup.
Hulk practised for less than 15 minutes when he felt something in his leg and left the field.
The forward was walking without a limp, but then sat down on a bench and lowered his head in apparent dismay.
If Hulk can’t play, 21- yearold Shakhtar Donetsk striker Bernard would be his likely substitute.
Spain goalkeeper de Gea sidelined
Spain’s goalkeeper David de Gea has a leg injury and could be out for the rest of the World Cup group stage.
The Manchester United goalie underwent medical scans on Sunday that revealed a leg muscle strain, with the defending champions listing him as day- to- day.
Spanish media reports suggest de Gea will be sidelined for up to 10 days, ruling him out of the final two Group B matches against Chile and Australia.
Captain and regular goalkeeper Iker Casillas’s poor play in Friday’s 5- 1 loss to the Netherlands had given de Gea a possible chance to take over the starting role.
Pepe Reina is the only other goalie available to the world and European champions going into Wednesday’s must- win game against Chile.