World Cup 2022: Christian Pulisic gets injury update as Netherlands game looms
US fans react to World Cup victory
Christian Pulisic scored the go-ahead goal in the first half to help the US win. The fans of the US team react.
Christian Pulisic became an American soccer icon Tuesday when his first-half goal against Iran helped lead the US into the World Cup knockout stage; but he came with a brutal price.
Pulisic suffered an injury on the play when he collided directly with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. He was not on the field for the second half of the game and was taken to the hospital with what was called an abdominal injury at the time.
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Christian Pulisic of the United States collides with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand after scoring the United States’ first goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Iran and the United States at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.
(AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The United States Soccer Federation said Pulisic was diagnosed with a pelvic concussion and was back at the team hotel. A video posted to social media showed him arriving at the team hotel and celebrating with the rest of the team.
He appeared on the day-to-day list as the US prepares to face the Netherlands in the Round of 16. A SnapChat image appeared to show Pulisic in a hospital bed with a message of commitment for Saturday’s game.
“So fucking proud of my boys,” the message read. “I’ll be ready on Saturday, don’t worry.”
WORLD CUP 2022: USA ADVANCES TO KNOCKOUT PHASE WITH WIN OVER IRAN
Pulisic was part of the unit that failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Now, the 24-year-old is an American football hero. Tim Weah put it simply: “We love you and we thank you.”
Christian Pulisic of the United States, center, collides with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, left, after scoring the United States’ first goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Iran and the United States at Al Stadium Thumama in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. November 29, 2022.
(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
“It’s huge. To go back to it without qualifying for the last World Cup, and then to be here and qualify, that’s just a work of God. God bless him.” Weah added. “I love him and he is very important to this team. He is a key player and a leader, someone we definitely need.”
Iran had several chances to tie the game, and a draw would have eliminated the US and sent Iran to the next round.
Christian Pulisic of the United States receives help from team doctors after scoring the first goal for the United States during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Iran and the United States at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. .
(AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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“I think in the first half we showed what we can do in terms of football. We had a very good first half. In the second half, we showed what we can do in terms of determination,” said coach Gregg Berhalter. “The guys ground and gave every ounce of energy, and we’re unbeaten going into the next round.”
Ryan Morik of Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
