American soccer star Christian Pulisic spoke out from his hospital bed in Qatar, declaring that he would be ready to play when the United States takes on the Netherlands in World Cup play.
Pulisic reassured his fans that he would be all right after scoring Tuesday’s game-winning goal left him injured badly enough that he was taken to the hospital. “So f***ing proud of my guys I’ll be ready Saturday don’t worry,” he said, alluding to the U.S. team’s next match against the Dutch team.
Christian Pulisic from the hospital after suffering an abdominal injury against Iran 🦅🇺🇸
(via @AreaSportsNet, @Adimitri24) pic.twitter.com/zUM0Ewhbxw
— ESPN (@espn) November 29, 2022
Pulisic’s first-half goal gave the United States a 1-0 lead on Iran — from which the opposition never recovered.
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But the 24-year-old Hershey, Pennsylvania, native was clearly injured, remaining on the ground after colliding with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. After briefly returning to the game, Pulisic was taken to the hospital and did not play in the second half.
NOTHING WAS STOPPING PULISIC FROM SCORING 😤
Take another look at his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal for the @USMNT 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/s6tKehRLg2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
Pulisic was named Budweiser’s “Man of the Match” after Iran was unable to answer the goal.
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According to an update from the U.S. Men’s National Team, “#USMNT forward Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a pelvic contusion and his status is day-to-day.”
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Coach Gregg Berhalter said that Pulisic was involved in post-game celebration via FaceTime: “We FaceTimed him after from the locker room and he’s in good spirits. My guess is he brought his phone with him and he’s updating … one of those apps.”
Fox News reported that the star forward — nicknamed Captain America — had been released from the hospital and was with the rest of the team recovering at the hotel.
Tim Weah hailed his teammate and friend, saying of Pulisic, “We love him, and we thank him. He’s huge. Going back to him not qualifying for the last World Cup, and then being here and qualifying us through, that’s just a work of God. God bless him. I love him, and he’s so important to this team. He’s a key player and a leader, so someone that we definitely need.”