Christian Pulisic’s World Cup fate up in air after injury on heroic goal

“Captain America” to the rescue.

Christian Pulisic sacrificed himself for the greater good Tuesday, ensuring the United States men’s national team defeated Iran 1-0 in their dramatic and politically fraught 2022 World Cup match.

The 24-year-old forward, who put his body on the line to score the only goal of the match, crashed headfirst into the Iranian goalkeeper as he bundled the ball home in the 38th minute to advance the US to the knockout stage of the tournament.

But amid the US celebrations in a cacophonous Al Thumama Stadium, one thing was missing — the goal-scorer himself.

Pulisic, who had smacked face-first into goalie Alireza Beiranvand’s torso at full speed, was sprawled in the goal for roughly three minutes as he underwent treatment by US medical staff.

He tried to continue playing but was replaced at the start of the second half and taken to the hospital for an abdominal scan. He was diagnosed with a pelvic contusion and is considered day-to-day in what could be a major blow for the US’ World Cup hopes.

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“Obviously we’re very thankful that he threw his body there,” midfielder Weston 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 extent of his injuries weren’t immediately known but Pulisic posted a hospital bed selfie online post match, saying: “So f–king proud of my guys. I’ll be ready Saturday don’t worry.”

In Pulisic’s absence, the team managed to forge ahead and defend his all-important lead – albeit with a more cautious approach — for the remainder of the match.

“In the first half we showed what we can do, soccer wise. We had a really good first half,” coach Gregg Berhalter said. “Second half we showed what we could do determination wise. The guys grinded, gave every single ounce and we are undefeated going into the next round.”

The US, who needed to secure a win after drawing against both Wales and England, will now face three-time finalists Netherlands on Saturday for a place in the quarter-finals.

“I always say it’s us against the world,” forward Tim Weah said after the game. “No one believed the US could play good football.”

The backdrop entering the match had been plagued by political tensions between the two countries, which were only inflamed when the US Soccer Federation published social media posts with an altered version of Iran’s flag – a gesture intended to support ongoing women’s rights protests there.

American fans were out-screamed by raucous Iranian fans with horns and drums on game day, but the US team’s victory secured their second place finish, only behind England, in Group B.

Iran, who has failed to advance in all six of its World Cup appearances, came in third.

“The dream is over with this result,” Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said. “The US started the game much better than us, more quick with better control of the game.”
Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi later added: “I hope that our fans and our people in Iran forgive us. I am just sorry.”

His reaction followed reports that emerged that the Iranian government had threatened the team and the players’ families ahead of the must-win match.

— With Wires