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The USMNT got off to a hot start in the World Cup on Friday, defeating Paraguay 4-1 behind two goals from Folarin Balogun. A key player got banged up in the process, however.
Christian Pulisic, a four-time U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, was substituted at halftime with the Americans leading 3-0. It was unclear why he exited at the time, but the AC Milan star shed some light on the situation postgame. Pulisic says he got kicked in the back of his left calf and took the second half off for precautionary reasons.
"I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing," Pulisic said, per ESPN. "Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days.
It was a productive first half for Pulisic, who provided constant pressure on the Paraguay defense and served up a beautiful assist on one of Balogun's goals.
It appears so. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed cautious optimism with Pulisic coming back in time for the Australia match on June 19.
"He got a kick in the calf and at the end of the first half he started to feel tight and we didn't want to take any risks," Pochettino said. "It was difficult for him to walk. But [we] hope that it's not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is Christian Pulisic injured? Update after USMNT star leaves World Cup opener
Continue reading...
Christian Pulisic, a four-time U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, was substituted at halftime with the Americans leading 3-0. It was unclear why he exited at the time, but the AC Milan star shed some light on the situation postgame. Pulisic says he got kicked in the back of his left calf and took the second half off for precautionary reasons.
"I just got a bit of a kick first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing," Pulisic said, per ESPN. "Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days.
It was a productive first half for Pulisic, who provided constant pressure on the Paraguay defense and served up a beautiful assist on one of Balogun's goals.
Will Christian Pulisic play in next U.S. game?
It appears so. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed cautious optimism with Pulisic coming back in time for the Australia match on June 19.
"He got a kick in the calf and at the end of the first half he started to feel tight and we didn't want to take any risks," Pochettino said. "It was difficult for him to walk. But [we] hope that it's not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one."
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is Christian Pulisic injured? Update after USMNT star leaves World Cup opener
Continue reading...
