Jurgen Klinsmann, still looking for his first victory as coach of the United States, wants to see more nastiness from the Americans as they prepare to visit Belgium tomorrow.
Costa Rica upset the US team 1-0 on Friday, denying the former Germany coach his first victory since being named coach of the Americans on July 29.
Klinsmann said he was not unhappy with his team’s performance in defeat but the players must toughen up on scoring opportunities to improve.
“The next step they need to get to is to be even more determined,” said Klinsmann. “There needs to be another piece of determination, another piece of being greedy for that goal. A bit more nastiness is part of it too.”
Bent, Richards to miss Wales clash
England duo Darren Bent and Micah Richards have been ruled out of tomorrow’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales due to injury.
Aston Villa striker Bent was unable to train in the build-up to Friday’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria in Sofia after suffering a groin problem and he returned to his club for treatment after missing training again yesterday.
Richards is believed to have suffered a hamstring injury and he has also been allowed to return home for treatment.
Neither player featured in the Bulgaria match and England coach Fabio Capello will not be calling up any replacements ahead of the clash against Wales at Wembley.
O’Shea adds to Ireland’s woes
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni was yesterday facing a growing injury crisis after defender John O’Shea was ruled out of tomorrow’s tough Euro 2012 qualifier in Russia.
The 30-year-old Sunderland man had to admit defeat in his battle to shake off calf and hip injuries after training in Malahide yesterday morning and was not among the squad as it prepared to leave for Moscow yesterday afternoon.
“The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed that following medical examination, John O’Shea has been declared unfit to take part in Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Russia,” the Irish FA said in a statement.
Muntari set to join Galatasaray
Sulley Muntari is expected to sign for Galatasaray today as the Turkish transfer market is still open.
Although the transfer window in the majority of European countries closed on Wednesday, the transfer deadline in Turkey is tonight.
NTV Sports reported that Inter have agreed a deal to sell Muntari to Galatasaray.
The Ghanaian midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at San Siro and already had a six-month loan spell at Sunderland last season.
Juventus strikers Amauri and Luca Toni are also reportedly considering a move to Turkey.
Injury blow for Arsenal’s Wilshere
Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere faces a further two months out of action due to the ankle injury which has blighted his summer.
Wilshere had been hoping to be back in action by now, after suffering the injury in June. The 19-year-old was thought to have recovered by late July but he limped off after just seven minutes of Arsenal’s Emirates Cup match with New York Red Bulls.
He then suffered a setback in training last month and is now not expected back until November.
An Arsenal spokesman said: “He will be out for a couple more months, he needs to rest and then we will see where he’s at.”
Rooney ‘proud to play for England’
Wayne Rooney has vowed never to make himself unavailable for England duty.
The 25-year-old’s relationship with the England fans appeared to cool when he criticised them after the goalless draw with Algeria in the 2010 World Cup but he has started to win back the hearts of the supporters, moreso after scoring a brace in the 3-0 win over Bulgaria on Friday.
Rooney said: “What’s happened has happened and I’m sure the fans, when I play, see I give 110% every game. The fans were great in Bulgaria and thanks for their support.
“People ask if I’ve got love back to play for England but I’ve always loved playing for England. I’ll play for England until someone tells me I can’t. I’m so proud to do that.”
Juve line up Rhodolfo deal
Juventus have already agreed terms to sign Rhodolfo, according to the Brazilian player’s agent.
The 25-year-old Sao Paolo defender had been strongly linked with the Bianconeri in the final days of the summer transfer window but a move could not be finalised ahead of Wednesday’s deadline.
However, Juventus are looking to secure Rhodolfo’s services in January.
“We have already reached an agreement with Juventus,” agent Gustavo told Brazilian paper Sport.
“Rhodolfo wants Juventus and we are happy about this. We’re working now and hope to complete the move in January.”