Afternoon Update: Jozy, Gooch, Stadiums, and Highlights

Some news, notes, and highlights to help get you through the day:

Jozy, Onyewu fit for England

Speaking to the media today, Bob Bradley said that Jozy's Altidore's ankle injury was "very minor", and followed up by saying that Jozy is "available for whatever role we choose for Saturday."  Needless to say, that's encouraging news for the Yanks, as Altidore's physicality and ability up top is a key part of the US attack and helped lead them to their last big upset victory, against Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinal.

Bradley went on to say,"The fitness program that we put our players through to prepare for the World Cup I think has every player in our 23 ready to play 90 minutes if asked."  That implies that Oguchi Onyewu, who has played just 139 minutes of competitive soccer since October, will in fact be ready to go the distance against England if needed.  Does that mean he will definitely start?  Not for sure.  But I think it's safe to say that Bob Bradley would prefer to have Gooch out there, so I expect that to happen if he is anywhere close to 100%.  Only time will tell if that is actually the case.


3-D tour of South Africa venues from Google Earth

A tip of the hat to Bob Dillon, who sent me this video by Google that takes a look at all of the World Cup stadiums and their surroundings by using Google Earth.  Very cool:




Spain, Portugal, Chile win in final friendlies

World Cup tune-ups drew to a close with a pair of matches yesterday and one more earlier today.  Spain rolled over Poland, scoring six times in a shutout victory.  Andres Iniesta, whose gorgeous scoop over the defense led to Spain's second goal, came out of the match in the first half due to a nagging thigh injury.  He is questionable for Spain's group opener versus Switzerland.

Portugal wasn't overly impressive in the first half of their friendly against Mozambique, but they managed to figure things out in the second half, scoring all of their goals in what finished as a 3-0 win.  In other Portugal-related news, Manchester United midfielder Nani will miss out on the World Cup after injuring his collar bone in training last week. 

Last, Chile knocked off New Zealand by a score of 2-0 today thanks to second half goals from Gonzalo Fierro and Esteban Paredes.