Pulisic looks ready to make his mark on USMNT's Wo...
Key takeaways
- But for one night, at least, Pulisic's individual experience here on Thursday ended up being remarkably emblematic of the larger group: The beginning was terrific.
- Pulisic returned to the field for the co-host's final group match against Türkiye for the first time since halftime of the U.S. opener, a bright moment that inspired one of the loudest ovations of the night.
- The finish to the match, though, was less impressive.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
But for one night, at least, Pulisic's individual experience here on Thursday ended up being remarkably emblematic of the larger group: The beginning was terrific. The ending stunk. And none of it matters nearly as much as what comes next.
The parallels between player and team are stark. Pulisic returned to the field for the co-host's final group match against Türkiye for the first time since halftime of the U.S. opener, a bright moment that inspired one of the loudest ovations of the night. He was energetic and aggressive, smashing a shot off the post and showing little sign of the calf injury that had sidelined him. He played with vibrancy and purpose ... just as the U.S. did in the first half when they scored early for a third-straight game, this time just three minutes in from Auston Trusty's sharp-angle blast off Sebastian Berhalter's inch-perfect corner.
The finish to the match, though, was less impressive. Pulisic was nutmegged by Türkiye star Arda Güler near the top of the penalty area to start a move that ended with a scramble in front of goal and Kaan Ayhan pushing the ball past Matt Turner. That goal, eight minutes into added time, gave already-eliminated Türkiye a 3-2 win. On a night when the U.S. and Pulisic opened with such fervor, they both faltered afterward. The Americans lost on the last kick of the match and Pulisic was left holding his hands to his head.