Christian Pulisic, a forward for the United States men’s national team, sustained a microfracture and bone bruise in his leg during the team’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup last 16. The injury, which occurred on Monday, is expected to sideline him for several weeks, as confirmed by US Soccer.
The injury happened in the second half of the match in Seattle, leading to Pulisic’s removal from the game. Following the incident, he underwent X-ray and MRI scans on Tuesday to assess the full extent of the damage. US Soccer has indicated that it is collaborating with Milan on his rehabilitation plan.
Post-match reactions and punditry
In the aftermath of the United States‘ elimination from the World Cup, Pulisic’s comments to journalists regarding his injury drew attention. He described twisting his ankle and knee in one play, adding that he now had time to rest, though it was an unfortunate way to conclude the tournament.
These remarks prompted reactions from prominent figures in American soccer. Carli Lloyd, a former star of the US women’s national team and now an analyst for Fox, posted on social media the day after the match, stating, “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.” This comment appeared to be directed at Pulisic.
Landon Donovan, a former captain of the US men’s national team, shared his perspective on his podcast, Unfiltered Soccer. Donovan suggested that Pulisic had emerged from a World Cup knockout game with his leg still intact, implying a strong desire to remain on the field despite injury. He stated that he would have had to be forcibly removed from the pitch and would have resisted medical intervention to continue playing.
Lloyd also offered a candid assessment of the United States‘ performance against Belgium, describing the team as having lost the game before stepping onto the pitch. She observed a lack of confidence and a tentative approach from the players. Lloyd expressed disappointment in Pulisic’s overall performance throughout the World Cup, noting that while there were glimpses of his ability, he did not consistently step up in crucial moments.
Her analysis was particularly impactful given her decorated career, which includes two Women’s World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals. Lloyd’s commentary was highlighted as being particularly incisive among the broadcast panel, which also featured Alexi Lalas and Clint Dempsey.
Game analyst Stuart Holden had also pointed to Pulisic’s importance before the match, considering him the most vital player. However, from the opening whistle, Holden observed that Pulisic seemed to lack moxie and confidence, providing real-time context to his performance.
Pulisic’s World Cup campaign
Pulisic’s World Cup campaign was marked by injuries and inconsistent form, contributing to the disappointment surrounding the United States‘ run to the last 16. He delivered a strong performance in the first 45 minutes of a 4-1 victory over Paraguay but was substituted at half-time after aggravating a left-calf injury.
This calf issue also led him to miss the United States‘ second group stage match, a 2-0 win against Australia. He later featured as a substitute in a 3-2 loss to Turkey, a game that was considered a dead rubber. Pulisic then started and played 88 minutes in a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32, though his impact was described as only occasional.
Despite the team’s exit, Lloyd acknowledged the positive aspects of the World Cup campaign, stating that the team had united the country and garnered support from American fans, suggesting a bright future for the squad. However, she reiterated that the loss to Belgium was a disappointing way to conclude their tournament.
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Source: theguardian.com
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”