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After a first half for the ages, USMNT fans got a scare when star Christian Pulisic did not return for the second half of the USA’s World Cup opener against Paraguay.
The Hershey, Pennsylvania native, who plays club soccer for AC Milan, assisted on the USA’s second goal, scored by Folarin Balogun, and was one of the team’s most notable players throughout the first half.
But when the team emerged from the tunnel, it was revealed that Pulisic had been benched in favor of Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT player and coach Gregg Berhalter.
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USMNT star Christian Pulisic was ruled out for the second half of the team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Gary Vasquez-Imagn Photos)
The thing was, the team didn’t give any reason as to why the change was made.
It was reported during the FOX Sports broadcast that Pulisic had indicated to the family in the stands that he was OK.
After the USA wrapped up its 4-1 victory, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino shed light on why the star was substituted. According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, Pochettino said Pulisic took a kick to the calf that caused some tightness and the decision to remove him was purely precautionary.
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Some of the concern from fans stemmed from Pulisic’s recent injury history. He sat out last summer’s Gold Cup to rest after playing 50 club games with AC Milan.
The following season he had several injuries. Most recently, according to ESPN, he missed a game last month due to a lower back problem.
Christian Pulisic had an assist in the first half of the USMNT World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Photos)
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Pulisic is an important part of the USMNT and his absence was noticeable in the second half.
While Pochettino said the substitution was purely precautionary, American fans are likely to remain uneasy until Pulisic is back on the pitch and fully fit.
