Christian Pulisic did not feature in the second half of the USA's World Cup opener against Paraguay — a contest that the co-hosts emphatically won 4–1. "Captain America" did leave his mark before being subbed off due to injury concerns, as he assisted Folarin Balogun's first-half strike.
Sebastian Berhalter handed the team a boost by making his World Cup debut, as the USA bench was convinced that there was no need to risk Pulisic after having already sealed a 3–0 lead in the opening half.
Pulisic's fitness scare is a big blow to Mauricio Pochettino's side, as the AC Milan star is easily the most versatile player in the squad, possessing ample European experience.
The attacker reportedly clarified that he was taken off the field as a precaution after feeling tightness in his calf. “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half. I’m hoping that it’s nothing, just taking a precaution... Staying positive, I don’t think it’s anything,” the former Chelsea star said following the match.
According to initial reports, Pulisic's calf will be closely monitored over the coming days. The USMNT is up against Australia next in Seattle on June 19.
According to Pochettino, Pulisic was struggling to walk following the first-half whistle. The coach revealed that the forward had suffered a kick to the same region ahead of the game during a training session as well.
“He received a kick before today in a training session too, so we hope it’s not a big issue,” Pochettino was quoted as saying by The Athletic. “When he finished the first half, he could not walk... We’re hopeful that for the next game he’ll be available.”
USA vs Paraguay
The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a 4–1 win over Paraguay on Friday, powered by a first-half double from striker Folarin Balogun.
The emphatic Group D win marked a dream start for the co-hosts, whose four goals were their most ever in a World Cup match. Balogun became the first U.S. player to score twice in a World Cup game since the 1930 tournament.
