By Luke Cirianni
This past Tuesday, many witnessed a huge moment of US soccer history. The US qualified to the round of 16, the first time since 2010. A lot of the media was tough on the Americans coming into the tournament, wondering how they could get out of such a tough group. USA played two very scrappy games, tying Wales 1-1 and England 0-0. This set them up to qualify for the next round with only a win vs Iran in their final group stage match. USA won the match 1-0 thanks to a Christian Pulisic goal in the 38’ minute. The play started off with a long ball from midfielder Weston Mckennie, down the line to full back Sergino Dest, who headed it across to the Chelsea forward. Pulisic paid the price scoring that goal, with a heavy collision with Iran’s goalkeeper. Later Tuesday night, he was diagnosed with a pelvic contusion.
Team USA has their round of 16 match on Saturday against the Netherlands. According to reports, Christian Pulisic told his team over facetime he believes he will be ready for Saturday’s match. The USMNT are not favorites for Saturday’s match, but many hope their motivation and momentum will carry over and give them a chance. With all the upsets this tournament so far, USA believes they will have a shot at moving on to the quarterfinals.
If the USA were to beat the Netherlands, they would face the winner of Argentina and Australia in the quarter finals.
