MY ACCOUNT
Christian Pulisic was named in the United States’ starting XI for their World Cup round of 16 tie with the Netherlands.
Pulisic scored the USA’s winner against Iran on Tuesday, securing their place in the knockout stage, but was sent to hospital for scans on an abdominal injury.
On Friday, it was confirmed Pulisic had been cleared to play a part against Louis van Gaal’s team at Khalifa International Stadium, and Gregg Berhalter did not hesitate in throwing the Chelsea attacker back in from the off.
Pulisic has been directly involved in six goals in his past nine appearances for the USA, with four goals and two assists, having a hand in both of their goals so far in the World Cup.
Josh Sargent, however, did not make the squad due to an ankle problem, with Jesus Ferreira coming in for his first appearance of the tournament.
The 21-year-old scored 18 goals in 35 MLS appearances for FC Dallas this past season.
At 25 years, 84 days, the USA’s starting team is the youngest in a World Cup knockout match since Slovakia (24 years, 239 days), also against the Netherlands in 2010.
Van Gaal, meanwhile, stuck with the same team that started in the 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar last time out.
That means the in-form Cody Gakpo partners Memphis Depay in a front two – the PSV forward could become the first Netherlands player to score in each of his first four World Cup appearances, with Christian Vieri the last European player to do so in 1998.
