Pulisic Goal Advances US in World Cup With 1-0 Win Over Iran

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Christian Pulisic gave his body for his country, scoring the goal that advanced the United States in the World Cup while crashing into the goalkeeper.

Pulisic’s 38th-minute goal lifted the U.S. over Iran 1-0 on Tuesday in a politically charged rematch of their famous meeting a quarter-century ago. The American star was replaced at the start of the second half and taken to a hospital with dizziness and to receive an abdominal scan.

“He was taken to the hospital, I think as a precaution,” said U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter. “He was feeling some dizziness. It was an abdominal wound, but below his abdomen.”

Pulisic scored and was sprawled on the field and lying in the goal for about three minutes as he received treatment from the U.S. staff. He tried to continue playing but was substituted and later taken to the hospital, and Berhalter said

Pulisic was injured when he was taken out of the game.

“I think that’s the American spirit, the way this group plays, and I think people will appreciate that,” Berhalter said.

Back in the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, the U.S. opened with draws against Wales and England and needed a victory to reach the round of 16.

The Americans finished second in Group B with five points, two behind England, and will play the Netherlands on Saturday with the chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.