Christian Pulisic Shined In The Match With Türkiye Despite Team USA Defeat
Christian Pulisic had an impressive performance in the US team's match against Türkiye at the World Cup, even though the team lost. His return has reinvigorated the team as they prepare for the knockout round.
LOS ANGELES STADIUM — Christian Pulisic walked briskly through the interview area, escorted by an American Soccer Federation employee. He kept his head bowed, tried not to make eye contact with reporters and immediately headed towards the team bus. The American men's soccer team lost its first match of this World Cup on Thursday night when Türkiye shocked the co-hosts 3-2 in the final seconds of extra time. The US entered the match with the mindset that they had topped Group D and officially had a place in the knockout round, but a draw would have been better. Especially as the team is looking to maintain momentum and spirits high ahead of their round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1 in the San Francisco Bay area.
One of the positives from the final match in this group stage was the expected return of Pulisic. He only played 45 minutes in this tournament after a calf injury forced him off the field in the second half of a 4-1 win over Paraguay two weeks ago. Pulisic had to miss the match against Australia and did not start the match against Türkiye. But on Thursday night, he entered the field in the 58th minute, bringing great energy to the US team. The match was tied 2-2 after Sebastian Berhalter scored in the 49th minute, and Pulisic instilled confidence in the team. The tempo of the match immediately increased with his presence.
"You saw his quality, and the impact he made when he came on the pitch," Berhalter told reporters after the match. "He's one of our own. More importantly, he's a great person that everyone looks up to, and he's a leader in his own right." The 27-year-old star immediately began creating chances and testing Türkiye's defence, first with a chance in the 62nd minute and then a minute later when his shot hit the right post. In the 77th minute, he sent another shot wide to the left.
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino used a squad with only three players who had started a World Cup match — he rested key players, including four players who received yellow cards. There were times in the first half when the team lacked cohesion and struggled to find rhythm. Pulisic added pace, decisiveness and a sense of urgency as soon as he joined.
"Anytime you have Christian off the bench, it's a positive," said Brenden Aaronson, who made his first start of the tournament. "Christian is a great player. I've always looked up to him throughout my career, and playing alongside him over the last five years has been fantastic. I've learned a lot from him. He makes a big difference. A lot of attention is on him, so others can have opportunities, have moments." "He's always been excellent," Aaronson added.
Pulisic was in a happy, light-hearted mood the other day. This was the first time he gave an interview after the victory over Paraguay, where he helped create two goals for the American team. He said his left calf — injured in practice before the opening match — is feeling good after spending the week with the team. He smiled and opened up, seemingly grateful to be back with his World Cup teammates. The AC Milan winger is an emotional player and cares deeply about the success of the US team.
Although he sat on the bench for Friday's game against Australia, he was filled with pride afterward, walking the field with his teammates and singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads." "It's nice to be here, to be part of the team, whether I'm playing or not," Pulisic said earlier in the week. "Really, this is the most amazing experience you can live. So, I love it."
Now, the pressure is mounting on the American team as the knockout round approaches, where every match is do-or-die. There is much to be said about how this World Cup in his homeland could shape Pulisic's legacy. He enters the next phase in good health and condition, with the opportunity to shine when needed most. "He's a special player, an important player," said Mark McKenzie, who made his World Cup debut against Türkiye. "Someone who can create something out of nothing, so it's great to see him back."
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