Christian Pulisic, a forward for the United States 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. US Soccer confirmed the injury, which is expected to sideline Pulisic for several weeks. The injury occurred during the second half of the match in Seattle, leading to his removal from the game.
Following the match, Pulisic underwent X-ray and MRI scans on Tuesday to determine the full extent of the injury. US Soccer indicated that both the federation and Milan, Pulisic’s club team, are collaborating on his rehabilitation plan. This injury marks a disappointing end to Pulisic’s World Cup campaign, which was affected by previous ailments.
Pulisic’s comments to journalists after the match, where he stated, “I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play … I have time to rest. It’s just unfortunate way to finish,” drew attention. These remarks prompted reactions from former US national team players and analysts.
Reactions to Pulisic’s injury and performance
The injury and the United States‘ exit from the World Cup sparked significant discussion. Carli Lloyd, a former star of the US women’s national team and an analyst for Fox, posted a comment on social media the day after the match, which appeared to be directed at Pulisic. Her tweet stated, “You rest when your playing career is over. Period.”
Landon Donovan, a former captain of the US men’s national team, also weighed in on his “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast. Donovan remarked on Pulisic’s departure from the game, suggesting that he himself would have resisted leaving the field. He stated, “the reality is, [Pulisic] came out of a World Cup knockout game at home, with his leg still intact … you would have had to fucking drag me off the field. And I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, ‘You’re not taking me off the field. Put whatever you need to put in me, and I’m staying on the field.’”
Lloyd also offered a broader critique of the United States‘ performance against Belgium. She expressed her belief that the team “lost the game before they even stepped out on the pitch,” citing a tentative and scared approach from the start. Lloyd, known for her candid analysis, highlighted a lack of confidence on the ball.
She further commented on the performance of key players, stating, “I was a bit disappointed in Christian Pulisic. Whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game — and, really, the whole World Cup. Little glimpses here and there.”
Pulisic’s World Cup campaign
Pulisic’s World Cup journey was marked by injuries and inconsistent form. Early in the tournament, he played effectively in the first 45 minutes of a 4-1 victory over Paraguay. However, he was substituted at half-time in that match due to aggravating a left-calf injury. This same injury caused him to miss the United States‘ second group stage game, a 2-0 win against Australia.
He later made an appearance as a substitute in a 3-2 loss to Turkey. Pulisic then started and played 88 minutes in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32, though his impact was described as only occasionally dangerous. His injury-hit campaign was seen as one of the significant disappointments for the Americans during their run to the last 16.
Despite the disappointing exit, Lloyd acknowledged the positive aspects of the team’s overall tournament. She noted that it had been a “fantastic World Cup” for the team, uniting the country and engaging American fans. She also expressed optimism for the future of the team, despite the disappointing loss to Belgium.
Fox Sports analyst Stuart Holden also commented on Pulisic’s performance, noting a lack of moxie and confidence from the opening whistle of the Belgium match. This assessment provided real-time context to the player’s display in the crucial knockout game.
Lloyd’s analysis, delivered alongside fellow analysts Alexi Lalas and Clint Dempsey, was particularly impactful due to her distinguished career, which includes two Women’s World Cup victories and two Olympic gold medals. Her direct approach to criticism, without offering excuses, resonated with many observers.
The United States‘ defeat to Belgium concluded their participation in the World Cup, with Pulisic now facing a recovery period for his leg injury.
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Source: theguardian.com
Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”