DOHA, Qatar — Christian Pulisic has promised his US teammates that he will be ready for Saturday’s game against the Netherlands after suffering an injury in Tuesday’s Group B game against Iran.
Pulisic clashed violently with Iranian keeper Alireza Beylamband just before half-time and tapped a header cross from Sergino Dest to put the United States ahead 1-0 and help secure the United States in the knockout round.
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The Chelsea winger said social media posts After the game, he said, “I’ll be ready on Saturday, don’t worry about it,” teammate Weston McKennie said. “
After the collision, Pulisic lay in front of goal for several minutes before leaving the field and drawing the attention of his team’s trainer before returning to complete the first half.
Brenden Aaronsson came on for Pulisic at half time, and US Soccer announced after the game that he had been taken to hospital and diagnosed with a pelvic contusion called “Daily”.
McKennie said after the game, “I’m very grateful he threw his body in there.”
US coach Greg Verhalter praised Pulisic’s hard work and toughness after the game, saying he and the players had a short video call with him from the dressing room.
“We need to talk to him and he’s fine,” Berhalter said at a press conference. As soon as the is big, he goes into the goal violently.
“He crashes the box and makes defenders really difficult with changes of pace. It’s great that one of the best players is one of the hardest working.
“He certainly is. I can’t say enough positive things about Christian.”
U.S. captain Tyler Adams said he was praying for his teammates and scored the goals he expected from Pulisic.
“How many goals has he scored in his career? It’s been great for him to arrive at the back post,” Adams said. “The way his timing gets in the box and in front of that ball – he’ll do anything for this team for us to win.
“Obviously a big player for us. Pray for him and hope everything goes well. He will stay there. I hope he will do anything to play in the next game. I know that.”
Josh Sargent was replaced by Haji Wright in the 75th minute after landing awkwardly on his right foot while dodging a tackle. Like Pulisic, he also received treatment on the field but was able to walk away on his own.
The US won their first World Cup match since 2014 after seeing nine minutes of injury time and a penalty shot from Iran late in the second half, setting up a round of 16 showdown with the Netherlands on Saturday.
ESPN writer Kyle Bonagra contributed to this report, which also used information from the AP.
