USA’s Pulisic can be prepared for Netherland World Cup recreation

DOHA, Qatar — Christian Pulisic assured his United States teammates he’d be prepared for Saturday’s match in opposition to the Netherlands after selecting up an damage in his workforce’s Group B win over Iran on Tuesday.

Pulisic was concerned in a tough collision with Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand shortly earlier than half-time as he tapped in a headed cross from Sergino Dest to place the US up 1-0 and assist earn the Individuals a spot within the knockout rounds.

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The Chelsea winger stated in a social media post after the sport that he would “be prepared Saturday, don’t fret,” whereas teammate Weston McKennie stated: “I despatched him a textual content and checked on him, and he stated, ‘Greatest consider I will be prepared on Saturday.'”

Pulisic lay on the bottom within the goalmouth for a couple of minutes following the collision earlier than leaving the sphere and receiving consideration from the workforce’s trainers after which coming again on to complete the primary half.

Brenden Aaronson got here on for Pulisic at half-time, with US Soccer saying after the match he had been taken to the hospital and identified with a pelvic contusion that was termed “each day.”

“Clearly we’re very grateful that he threw his physique there,” McKennie stated after the match. “On the finish it was a heart-drop sinking second, however we bought it completed and we’re excited to nonetheless be right here.”

US coach Gregg Berhalter praised Pulisic’s onerous work and toughness after the match and stated he and the gamers had a brief video name with him from the dressing room.

“We bought to talk to him and he is in good spirits,” Berhalter advised a information convention. “That is what he does, that is the particular high quality he has and as quickly as a aim is vast he goes in with depth.

“He crashes the field and makes it actually tough for defenders along with his change of tempo. It is a fantastic factor when considered one of your finest gamers can be one of the vital onerous working.

“He is actually that. I can not say sufficient constructive issues about Christian.”

US captain Tyler Adams stated he was praying for his teammate and added it is targets like these he is come to count on from Pulisic.

“What number of targets has he scored like that in his profession? Again submit arriving, he is sensible,” Adams stated. “The best way that his timing is into the field and to get in entrance of that ball — he’ll do something to this workforce to ensure that us to win.

“Big participant for us, clearly. Praying for him, hoping the whole lot is OK. He’ll grasp in there. I do know he’ll do something to play within the subsequent recreation.”

Josh Sargent was changed by Haji Wright within the seventy fifth minute after touchdown awkwardly on his proper foot whereas avoiding a deal with. Like Pulisic, he additionally obtained therapy on the sphere however was capable of stroll off beneath his personal energy.

The US noticed out 9 minutes of second-half stoppage time to win their first World Cup match since 2014 and arrange a round-of-16 showdown with the Netherlands on Saturday.

ESPN author Kyle Bonagura contributed to this report and knowledge from the Related Press was additionally used.