US striker Christian Pulisic is hopeful that he would be fit for the rest of the World Cup after suffering a pelvic injury in their 1-0 win over Iran. The Chelsea forward scored the goal of the match, but could stand up and celebrate after colliding with Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. USA are already through to the round of 16 and their group B final clash against Netherlands on Saturday, will make no difference. Coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed Pulisic was injured and sent to hospital as a precaution after feeling dizzy, and said the players had a short video call with him from the dressing room. “We got to speak to him and he’s in good spirits,” Berhalter told a news conference. “That’s what he does, that’s the special quality he has and as soon as a goal is wide he goes in with intensity. “He crashes the box and makes it really difficult for defenders with his change of pace.”
Teammate Weston McKennie said Pulisic had told him he would be ready for the Netherlands match. “I sent him a text and checked on him, and he said, ‘Best believe I’ll be ready on Saturday,'” ESPN quoted McKennie as saying. McKennie praised Pulisic’s bravery but said the team were like brothers and any of them would have done the same. “Obviously we’re very thankful that he threw his body there but the thing is we have 25 other guys aside from Christian who would do the same thing, I believe,” he said. “You see the statue Christian has and that he’s willing to throw his body on the line. That should tell you enough about how close this team is.”
