Christian Pulisic became an American star with the winning goal — and the injury he got while scoring it — that lifted the United States into the round of 16 at the World Cup.
Posted December 2, 2022 3:31 p.m. EST
Updated December 3, 2022 6:25 a.m. EST
By JENNA FRYER, AP National Writer
DOHA, Qatar — Christian Pulisic became an American star with the winning goal — and the injury he got while scoring it — that lifted the United States into the round of 16 at the World Cup.
He injured his pelvic bone, Pulisic insisted, when he collided with Iran’s goalkeeper on the goal that sent him to the hospital as the United States won 1-0 and advanced in soccer’s biggest tournament.
Pulisic was cleared to play Saturday, when the Americans face the Netherlands in the knockout round.
Everybody expected him to be on the field even before doctors gave him the medical go-ahead on Friday.
“I will do everything in my power to work with this medical team and make sure that I can play,” Pulisic said of his intention to be on the field.
The United States is trying to get to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 and continue to delight the American audience, which has tuned into the first three matches in record numbers.
A win against the Netherlands might be enough to convince fans back at home that the United States can, indeed, compete on the biggest stage in soccer.
“The support from the U.S. has been a bit surreal,” captain Tyler Adams said.
