Christian Pulisic issues rallying cry ahead of the US’ crucial Copa America clash: ‘Game of our lives’
Christian Pulisic has reminded his American compatriots that they will have to play their best after the US’s shock 2-1 defeat to Panama in the Copa America.
The AC Milan striker and his team-mates risk early elimination from the tournament if they fail to at least draw against their group leaders in Kansas City on Monday evening.
“We have to represent our country with passion and pride,” Pulisic, 25, told reporters. “We have to play the best game of our lives and that’s it,” he added, before asserting that the U.S. wants to advance to the round of 16.
When asked if the knockout round ‘came early’, Pulisic replied: ‘Yes, you could say that…’
If the US gets a much-needed win over Uruguay, they will qualify for the knockout stages, provided Panma draws or loses.
Christian Pulisic on Monday gave a blunt assessment of what the US needs to do to beat Uruguay
The US could still qualify for the round of 16 if it defeats Panama, depending on the goal advantage
If Panama wins, the US can still qualify for the knockouts, but they will need to have a better goal difference than Panama. The US currently has a two-goal lead.
In the event of a tie, the U.S. will only advance if it draws or loses in Panama.
If the United States loses, they only advance with a Panama loss and if they have a better goal difference than Panama. If the US loses 4-0 and Panama loses 1-0, Panama advances.
Either way, the U.S. will be without key player Tim Weah, who was red carded early in the match against Panama, and possibly goalkeeper Matt Turner as well.
The US will have to make do against Uruguay without their regular goalkeeper, Matt Turner
Turner was withdrawn at half-time against Panama after being involved in a serious collision with Cesar Blackman.
The incident left him landing hard on the ground before being treated by US medical staff for what appeared to be shoulder and left leg injuries.
When asked about Turner’s possible availability against Uruguay, Berhalter said: ‘We don’t know his status. We’ll get a report from the medical team later tonight.
“We don’t know for sure.”