IRVINE.- The star attacker of USA, Christian Pulisicassured this Wednesday that he has recovered from the calf injury that kept him out of the match against Australia and stated that the co-hosts will seek before Türkiye a third consecutive victory to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup 2026.
The team led by Mauricio Pochettino already secured first place in Group D with one day’s notice, while Türkiye will face Thursday’s match in Los Angeles without qualification options, so the match will have little competitive significance for both teams.
But Pulisic, an offensive figure and reference for the United States, told AFP that a new victory in front of his home crowd would serve to reinforce confidence before the round of 32 match that they will play next Wednesday in Saint Clareagainst a rival yet to be defined.
“Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win, so we’re going to go out and get it,” he said.
“It’s an incredible opportunity… It’s not that we need to win, but it’s a World Cup match and we all want to give our best and do well.”
Pulisic has not played since half-time of the opening match, the 4-1 victory over Paraguayafter being injured after receiving a blow during training a few days before.
Already back in training normally with the rest of the squad, the striker offered more details about the ailment, although he continues without revealing which teammate accidentally caused the action.
“I got a big kick in my calf a couple of days before the game. The whole first half I felt good and then I started to notice it a little bit, and I think the adrenaline definitely kept me going,” he explained.
“I think I had a pretty bad bruise, a pull, whatever you want to call it… It feels a lot better now.”
Despite having regained fitness, there is no guarantee that he will play against the Turks.
Several regular starters could also rest, as Chris Richards, Anthony Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun They risk a suspension if they receive a new yellow card.
Pulisic acknowledged that it was “emotionally hard” to follow the matches from the sideline, although he highlighted that his teammates made that situation “much easier” thanks to the convincing 2-0 victory over Australia in seattle last Friday.
A country in expectation
Having won the first two games of the group stage, for the first time since 1930, has contributed to reinforcing the enthusiasm of a fan whose interest in football continues to grow, although it usually depends on the results obtained by the national team.
The United States does not reach the quarterfinals of a World Cup since 2002, but its solid start in this tournament, after several years of irregularity, has fueled the hope of having an outstanding performance as host.
