Pulisic Injured: United States Beats Australia 2-1 with Wright’s Brace

Pulisic Leaves the Field Due to Injury in Match Against Australia

The coach of the United States men’s national team, Mauricio Pochettino, has reported that Christian Pulisic, AC Milan attacker, suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to be substituted in the 28th minute of the 2-1 victory over Australia. Pulisic, after receiving several hard tackles, felt the injury in the 26th minute, which led Pochettino to make the decision to take him off the field.

“Pulisic feels something in his hamstring. Tomorrow he will fly to Italy. Tonight we will re-evaluate. We can’t say anything more,” Pochettino declared.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino suggested that the change in climate between Austin and Denver during this international window could have contributed to Pulisic’s problem. The strategist highlighted the difficulty of the situation for the player, considering the temperature difference of 20 degrees Celsius between the cities. Despite Pulisic’s absence, the United States achieved victory, with Pochettino praising the contributions of Haji Wright and Cristian Roldan. Wright scored goals in both halves, both assisted by Roldan, including the winning goal that came from a quick free kick. Wright took his chance after being included in the lineup in place of Folarin Balogun.

“I think it’s important to say ‘I am here and I want to play. I want to be part of the team'”, said Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino added that Wright could be close to being considered for the World Cup. Wright has performed outstandingly both at his club and in the national team, leading the English Championship with eight goals for Coventry City. He attributes his good form to the absence of injuries. Pochettino also praised Roldan, who, two months ago, seemed far from being considered for the World Cup. Now, he is in the running for a place on the list.

“We need a player with confidence, with some belief, with a bit of romanticism, with a bit of competitiveness. Cristian Roldan is the example of, if you want to build your perfect player, he has a bit of everything,” Pochettino affirmed.

Mauricio Pochettino

Australian defender Jason Geria, cautioned for a foul against Pulisic, acknowledged the intensity of the match, but denied having targeted the American player.

“I heard he’s injured, so I hope he’s okay. We weren’t specifically aggressive with him. I think in general, as a team, as a country, we are a physical team and we are prepared for the fight, regardless of the opponent,” Geria commented.

Jason Geria

The victory marked the first time in the Pochettino era that the United States prevailed after conceding the first goal, scored by Jordan Bos in the 19th minute.

“It’s not a coincidence. The good and the not so good, and it’s not a coincidence to have this ability, to believe, to say: ‘We need to trust ourselves, that’s in our mind, in our brain, in our heart, it’s in our blood'”, concluded Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino