Of course it’s Christian Pulisic who sends USMNT into knockout rounds at World Cup | Opinion
DOHA, Qatar — Of course it was going to be Christian Pulisic.
He’s the wunderkind of this uber-talented young generation of U.S. men, “Captain America,” accomplishing things no American has before, for both club and country. If the USMNT is to make a run at this World Cup, and make people rethink their view of American soccer, it’s going to require something special from Pulisic.
“I don’t see it as a burden at all. I’m very excited for the moment,” he said before the tournament began. “I’m going to do the best I can in representing this country, and hope I make everyone back home proud.”
Oh, I’d say he’s got that covered.
A hard collision with Iran’s goalkeeper sent Pulisic to the hospital with an abdominal injury Tuesday night, but not before his goal in the 38th minute gave the USMNT what it needed to beat Iran 1-0 and advance to the knockout rounds.
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“That’s what he does,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said. “That’s the special quality that he has.”
Goals have been hard for the USMNT to come by at this tournament. Anywhere, really, with just three in six matches over the last three months. But with the USMNT needing a win to advance, someone was going to have to find the back of the net. Who better than Pulisic?
On a team of players talented enough to be playing at the top clubs in Europe and the Champions League, Pulisic remains its talisman. He is the one who has blazed a new path for U.S. players, going to Europe as a young teenager and winning a Champions League title with Chelsea, and he commands the largest spotlight.
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The momentum of his shot carried Pulisic forward, and he collided at full speed with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Pulisic was down for several minutes before getting up and walking gingerly toward the U.S. sideline. He tried jogging, stopped for a sip of water and then went back into the game.