The U.S. Men’s National Team scored a big win on Tuesday to advance to the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup, defeating Iran 1-0 to finish second in Group B.
The match was tense with a lot more than soccer on the minds of many, and the victory served as a moment of redemption for a U.S. team that failed to qualify for the last World Cup played in 2018.
IT'S CHRISTIAN PULISIC'S MOMENT 💥
1-0 USA 🇺🇸
🎥 @FOXSoccer | #FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/Ciz1Zs17q1
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 29, 2022
The drama intensified when forward Christian Pulisic was injured while scoring the game’s lone goal. The U.S. player remained on the ground for several minutes after colliding with the Iran goalkeeper. He would be helped off the field, and while Pulisic did return to finish out the first half he did not play in the second half. The team announced that he went to the hospital for a scan of his midsection, according to the New York Times.
An integral part of the team, Pulisic made it clear afterwards he would be ready for Saturday’s World Cup match against The Netherlands.
Christian Pulisic sends a message of support to his USMNT teammates ❤️🇺🇸
(via @AreaSportsNet, @Adimitri24) pic.twitter.com/Vk0yculZfA
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
“I sent him a text and checked on him, and he said, ‘Best believe I’ll be ready on Saturday,'” teammate Weston McKennie said, according to left-leaning ESPN.
“Obviously we’re very thankful that he threw his body there,” McKennie said. “At the end it was a heart-drop sinking moment, but we got it done and we’re excited to still be here.”
The team announced on social media that Pulisic “has been diagnosed with a pelvic contusion and his status is day-to-day.”
UPDATE: #USMNT forward Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a pelvic contusion and his status is day-to-day. pic.twitter.com/abZcjU6tco
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 29, 2022
US coach Gregg Berhalter said after the match that the team spoke with the hospitalized player on a short video call.
“We got to speak to him and he’s in good spirits,” Berhalter said at a news conference, according to ESPN. “That’s what he does, that’s the special quality he has and as soon as a goal is wide he goes in with intensity.
“He crashes the box and makes it really difficult for defenders with his change of pace. It’s a wonderful thing when one of your best players is also one of the most hard working,” he added.
At home and in Qatar, you were with us all 99+ minutes tonight.
We felt the love.
We felt the unwavering support.
Thank you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Tue80ApBVb
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) November 29, 2022
Iran has been facing unrest a home since the death of a 22-year-old woman after being arrested by Iran’s morality police for improperly wearing a hijab. The Iranian players drew worldwide attention when, in a show of support, they refused to sing the national anthem in an opening match against England last week.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reportedly responded by threatening the families of the team with imprisonment and torture if the players fail to “behave” ahead of Tuesday’s high-profile match against the USA.
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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