DOHA, QATAR – With a berth in the Round of 16 hanging in the balance against a one-time ally—now mortal enemy—the United States was anxious to exorcise the past demons of their 1998 loss to Iran. Thanks to a goal by Christian Pulisic in the 39th minute, American soccer has found its new Captain America in the Hersey, PA native.
Pulisic, who had had a run of rough form for EPL powerhouse Chelsea, came through for the upstart and young Yankees when they needed it most against a stout and very tough-minded Iranian side determined not to concede anything to the United States.
With the unlikeliest World Cup arguably ever, the United States now face a beatable Dutch side, and if things shake out in the other side of the knockout stage, could go on a memorable and deep run in potentially facing Australia in the semifinals.
It is too soon to crown Pulisic “Captain America,” as that moniker has been held for seemingly forever by Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach, but with soccer finally cracking the cultural mainstream in the middle of the NFL season, I don’t think that Staubach—or Chris Evans—would mind sharing that mantle for the next few weeks.