Christian Pulisic has stressed to his fellow Americans that they will have to play their best after the United States’ shock 2-1 loss to Panama in the Copa America.
The AC Milan winger and his teammates face early elimination from the tournament if they do not achieve at least a draw against their group leaders on Monday night in Kansas City.
“We have to go and represent our country with passion and pride,” Pulisic, 25, told reporters. “We have to go and play the best game of our lives and that’s it,” he added, before saying the United States wants to advance to the round of 16.
Asked if the knockout round “came early,” Pulisic replied: “Yeah, I guess you could say that…”
If the United States achieves a much-needed victory against Uruguay, then they will qualify for the round of 16 as long as Panma draws or loses.
Christian Pulisic gave a blunt assessment of what the United States must do to beat Uruguay on Monday
The United States can still qualify for the round of 16 with a Panama loss, depending on the goal advantage
If Panama wins, the United States can still qualify for the round of 16, but they will need to have a better goal difference than Panama. As things stand, the United States has a two-goal lead.
In the event of a tie, the U.S. will only advance with a draw or a loss by Panama.
If the United States loses, then they will only advance with a Panama loss and if they have a better goal difference than Panama. If the United States loses 4-0 and Panama loses 1-0, Panama advances.
In any case, the United States will have to do without key winger Tim Weah, who received a red card early in the match against Panama, and potentially without goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The United States will likely have to do without their starting goalkeeper, Matt Turner, against Uruguay
Turner was taken off at half-time against Panama after being involved in a heavy collision with Cesar Blackman.
The incident caused him to fall heavily to the grass before receiving treatment from American medical personnel for what appeared to be injuries to his left shoulder and leg.
When asked about Turner’s possible availability against Uruguay, Berhalter said: “We don’t know his status. We will receive a report from the medical team this afternoon.
“We are not sure.”
