Christian Pulisic made his triumphant return to the field Saturday … this after the U.S. soccer star was seriously injured while scoring the winning goal against Iran in the USMNT’s previous World Cup game.
What a CHANCE for the @USMNT! 😱
The USMNT is knocking early against the Netherlands pic.twitter.com/PMuZwBYJuM
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
@FOXSoccer
Pulisic didn’t seem too hobbled as the U.S. started playing against the Netherlands during its Round of 16 matchup in Qatar. Christian seemed spry and aggressive, but he missed a few opportunities to put some goals on the board. At half, the Netherlands has already taken a 2-0 lead over the U.S. after scoring right before the halftime whistle.
As we reported, Pulisic suffered a pelvic contusion Tuesday after crashing into the goalie as he scored the game-winner against Iran, propelling the U.S. to a 1-0 victory. Initially, the word was he had suffered a groin injury … but he later clarified, “I didn’t get hit in the balls. I’m alright. It was very painful. That bone is there for a reason to protect you and I hit it well. I was sore.”
Pulisic — known as Captain America for his team leadership — sent Iran home from the tournament by scoring the goal, but he was in too much pain to celebrate in the moment.
He told reporters Thursday … “I realized the ball went in. I was a bit confused because the guys around me — I think they were just trying to keep a distance and make sure I was OK. But it didn’t really feel like a celebration, so I was worried about offsides … You never know nowadays, so I wasn’t sure what was going on. But I mean, I knew it went in.”
Christian also posted a Snapchat of himself smiling in a hospital bed after suffering the injury with a caption … “So f—ing proud of my guys I’ll be ready Saturday.”
