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Christian Pulisic squashed and injured while scoring for USA and goes off at half time after brutal direct collision with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in World Cup match
Christian Pulisic was injured after a scoreless collision with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand as he scored the opening goal for the US in their need to win World Cup match against Iran.
And despite returning to the field for the last five minutes of the first half, he was unable to return for the second half and Brendan Aaronson replaced him due to an abdominal injury.
Pulisic, 24, lay down for several minutes after scoring from close range and was unable to celebrate his goal – his first ever at a World Cup. He was eventually helped to the side of the field by two USMNT medics.
Pulisic appeared to have hurt his leg and torso as he charged into Beiranvand at full speed after sprinting to get on Sergino Dest’s header over Iran’s six-yard box.
His face and neck also looked like it touched Beiranvand’s chest.
His American teammates stood around him until he could be treated by a medic, and for a moment there were real concerns that he wouldn’t be able to play in such an important game.
In the end, the Chelsea striker and USMNT star man came back on the field.
Christian Pulisic was injured after colliding with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand when he scored
Pulisic sprinted to reach Sergino Dest’s ball over the six yard area to convert it for the lead
Pulisic was left for treatment and he couldn’t celebrate a huge goal for his team
He didn’t run free at first, but gradually seemed to shake off the impact of the knock. Five minutes of extra time were added at the end of the first period, almost all thanks to Pulisic’s treatment.
“We talked about putting your body on the line and he once did,” said FOX Soccer analyst Clint Dempsey.
“Sometimes you have to sacrifice your body for the team and for your country. He wanted it more than the opposition and that’s what you have to do.’
But it was bad news after the break. An abdominal injury limited Pulisic’s involvement and Leeds midfielder Aaronson replaced him.
The goal came in the 38th minute of Qatar’s final Group B match – a match the US must win to progress to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Pulisic’s team stood around him until the attacker could receive medical attention
Pulisic, 24, was helped to the side of the field by two USMNT medics
The goal was vital for the US – the team must beat Iran or be out of the World Cup
It had been an exciting game up to that point, although the USMNT had the better odds. Pulisic came close early in the game, but Iran had also enjoyed a few forays forward.
The USA almost conceded a second goal shortly before the break – Timothy Weah had a goal disallowed for offside by the narrowest of margins.
If the US fails to beat Iran, it will be out of the World Cup.