That is because, despite Klinsmann's comments before the tournament, in a hypothetical world where the coach could call anyone right now, his choice would likely not be Donovan.

The latest episode of the Donovan saga is a bit overblown. So when Altidore fell to the ground screaming in pain in the 20th minute of Monday's 2-1 win over Ghana after a hard sprint for the ball with Ghana defender John Boye, there was no longer any external recourse available.Īron Johannsson was brought in as a substitute with mixed success, and he and Chris Wondolowski will compete for Altidore's spot against Portugal. The deadline for the Americans was 6 p.m. fold, FIFA rules state that teams have until 24 hours before their first tournament game to replace players on their 23-man roster. While it's annoying for those who would love to see Donovan return to the U.S. The reason lies with FIFA, soccer's wonderfully strange governing body, and its rulebook for matters relating to the World Cup. So why is Donovan still in Los Angeles, making commercials in his bathrobe for video game makers and chiming in with his two cents as an analyst for ESPN instead of getting ready to fly to Brazil and step into action?

Fast forward to right now and here we are with lead striker Jozy Altidore having sustained hamstring damage that will rule him out against Portugal on Sunday and maybe longer.

Landon donovan fifa 10