After a 4-0 win against Panama on Oct. 6, the United States men’s national team is now only one game away from qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Russia.
This was a crucial game for the United States, as before this, it looked very unlikely that the team would qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia.
The media and fans alike thought the United States would not get the win and risk not qualifying.
But after watching this game, we saw the United States was not ready to lose, and Christian Pulisic is the young player the national team has been looking for.
From the very beginning, the United States looked very confident, with the first chance coming in the first five minutes after Bobby Wood’s shot just nearly went wide of the right goalpost.
Then, only three minutes later, Pulisic received a simple pass from Jozy Altidore, ran through Panama’s defense, rounded keeper Jaime Penedo and drew first blood.
The United States doubled their lead in the 19th minute, when Altidore powered the ball past Penedo after being assisted by Pulisic.
Just before halftime, Bobby Wood won the United States a penalty after being taken down in the box, with Altidore calmly slotting into the back of the net to gain a 3-0 lead.
Wood would eventually have his efforts rewarded as he scored the fourth and final goal of the match in the 63rd minute, making the scoreline 4-0, United States.
This win means that the United States leapfrogged Panama to third place in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)World Cup qualifying table.
The United States will head into an even more crucial match on Tuesday, where a win against Trinidad and Tobago secures qualification to next year’s World Cup in Russia.
And after a convincing win on Friday, the U.S. looks set to qualify, especially with Christian Pulisic on their side.
Pulisic impressed tremendously in this game, recording a goal and an assist.
He dominated the midfield, therefore making the Panamanian defenders’ jobs very difficult.
He stretched out the game, creating several chances and making space whenever he could.
Whenever he had the ball, he looked calm and composed.
What’s incredible is that Pulisic just turned 19-years-old recently.
At this young of an age, he is already looking like the future captain of the United States men’s national team.
And in my opinion, I think he will.
Pulisic will help lead the United States to World Cup qualification in Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, and with his leadership and talent, I think they will qualify with no problem.
Luke Stergiou can be contacted at lstergiou@kscequinox.com
