‘Captain America’ is yet to find the back of the net at the , yet despite missing the group match against Australia with a calf injury, his contribution has certainly not been lacking so far.
USA got their tournament off to a dream start with a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the opening round. Pulisic found Folarin Balogun for USA’s second goal and the level of the skipper’s performance has given Mauricio Pochettino’s team further confidence for the remainder of the competition.
Although some may have expected stronger numbers from the AC Milan midfielder, there is no denying that his leadership remains vital to the head coach and his team-mates.
“People expect the captain to always make the difference by scoring goals. But often the most important contribution is to bring out the best in those around you, and Pulisic is doing just that, shouldering the pressure of an entire nation and playing with courage. It takes talent to win matches, but you need players like Pulisic to win titles,” said Zlatan Ibrahimovic of USA’s captain, following the Round of 32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Those words speak volumes about what the No.10 means to this team – something Ibrahimovic understands better than most, given his current role in AC Milan’s management – and why the dressing room needs a figure like him. “We know what we can do. We have players who can find solutions and make the difference. We’re also aware that Belgium are a great team, but we have every right to feel confident for tomorrow’s match”, said Pulisic himself on the eve of the Belgium clash. USA will be battling it out for a place in the quarter-finals on what promises to be a truly memorable evening. The USA captain himself then emphasised the importance of the match against Belgium, responding to a question about the historic significance of the fixture for American football: “I don’t feel like talking about the entire history of American football. I’ve played in several World Cup matches and I know full well that tomorrow’s match will be a fantastic one, and we’ll do everything we can to win it”.
Pochettino also spoke at the press conference, where he explained that the significance of this World Cup goes beyond the final result: “We will always remember this journey, which is not about winning, but about what we do during the tournament. Since the match against Australia, I’ve been seeing lots of people playing football and lots of fans on the streets, and I think that’s the most important thing. The World Cup is an incredible opportunity to help football grow even more”.
Finally, the head coach wanted to emphasise the importance of the collective squad: “Our strength lies in our squad, in the way the team plays and in the courage we show on the pitch. We showed that with ten men against Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
And this is precisely where Pulisic’s value really comes to the fore. Not only as the national team’s biggest star, but as a figurehead capable of balancing the expectations, responsibilities and identity of a squad that dreams of making its mark at the World Cup on home soil.
Sources: FIFA Official
