Topline
American forward Christian Pulisic was taken to a hospital for further evaluation after sustaining a major hit from the Iranian goalkeeper while scoring the lone goal in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory for the U.S., in what is already being hailed as one of the most famous goals in American soccer history, but the soccer star promised Tuesday he’ll be ready to play the next game.
USA’s forward #10 Christian Pulisic receives medical attention after injuring himself while scoring … [+]
Key Facts
A U.S. Soccer spokesman told Forbes Pulisic was taken to the hospital with an “abdomen injury and got scans.”
The forward shared a Snapchat post from the hospital later in the day saying, “So f——— proud of my guys I’ll be ready Saturday don’t worry.”
Pulisic scored the game-winning goal in the 38th minute of Tuesday’s match, then immediately collided with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and went down for several minutes.
Pulisic returned to the game briefly but appeared impaired by the blow, and was substituted out of the game to start the second half.
The goal was necessary in a must-win game for the U.S., which would have been eliminated with a draw or loss against Iran.
What To Watch For
The U.S. will take on the Netherlands in a round of 16 match at 10 a.m. Eastern time Saturday.
Key Background
The U.S. dominated the first half of Tuesday’s match, with Pulisic’s goal serving as the needed scoring breakthrough shortly before halftime. The U.S. team asserted more of a defensive presence in the second half, repelling wave after wave of attacks as the Iranian team desperately pushed for a tying goal that would have allowed them to finish above the U.S. in Group B and qualify for the round of 16. Pulisic, 24, is widely regarded as one of the greatest American men’s soccer talents of all-time. He plays club soccer for Chelsea in London, and was part of the Chelsea team that won the UEFA Champions League title in 2021, considered the greatest prize in club soccer.
Further Reading
U.S. Beats Iran—Advances To World Cup Round Of 16 (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/11/29/us-world-cup-hero-christian-pulisic-taken-to-hospital-for-injury-but-vows-to-play-saturday/