SEATTLE — Christian Pulisic might be the United States men’s national team’s brightest star, but teammates weren’t concerned when they learned Friday that he wouldn’t be available for their critical Group D World Cup match against Australia.
That confidence was proven valid when the U.S. bested the Aussies 2-0 behind a pair of first-half goals, clinching a spot in the knockout round. Later Friday night, the U.S. wrapped up first place in Group D when Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0.
“The versatility of this team is insane, to be honest, because there’s guys that aren’t playing right now that can play a major role as well,” U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams said.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino decided to start Ricardo Pepi in an attacking role as a second striker alongside Folarin Balogun, and the pair continually applied pressure on the Socceroos from the outset. Balogun raced up the left wing in the 11th minute and attempted to connect with Pepi in front of the goal.
The ball never reached its target, but only because it was deflected by Australian defender Cameron Burgess for an own goal. If not, Pepi was in position to put away an easy chance.
Pochettino’s directive to Pepi was to make a lot of runs in behind the Australians, who played with five defenders in an attempt to counter the Americans’ speed.
“It was a difficult game to be able to get a lot of shots, a lot of space in between,” Pepi said. “They really closed down the middle, but at the end of the day we got the win, we got the goals and we did our job.”
Pulisic was subbed out at halftime of the opening game against Paraguay after sustaining a calf injury. Despite Pulisic being seen at training mid-week, Pochettino said after Friday’s 2-0 win that it was “impossible” for him to have played. Still, that final decision wasn’t made official until just hours before the match.
“I found out today,” Balogun said. “(Pulisic is) a fantastic player, the quality and the leadership he gives us. We didn’t have him today, but I think you saw we’re still capable to go out there and get a result and put in a performance.”
The uncertainty of whether their star would be available did not seem to phase the USMNT.
“Obviously, having Pepi on the field gave us another dimension to the team. So that shows that flexible line,” Adams said. “It also just shows the willingness of the group to be able to step in. There’s a selflessness to the team. If someone’s starting, you support that guy.
“And when you get the opportunity to play a big role, play a big role.”
–Derek Harper, Field Level Media
