U.S. Soccer Star Christian Pulisic Substituted in World Cup Opener Due to Calf Issue

Inglewood, California – U.S. men’s soccer standout Christian Pulisic was replaced at halftime in the team’s World Cup opener against Paraguay. Coach Mauricio Pochettino explained that Pulisic struggled with his left calf not loosening up.

Pulisic had been kicked two days prior to the match, which ended in a 4-1 victory for the U.S. During the first half, Pulisic delivered an impressive performance, assisting on a goal by Folarin Balogun. Despite this, the team chose to substitute him at halftime while leading 3-0.

“Hope that is not a big issue,” Pochettino stated. “That was so rushed, because it was in the last minute that we need to change and to do the substitution. But now I think it’s better, and hope for the next game he will be available.”

The match marked the first World Cup game on U.S. soil since 1994. The next fixture for the U.S. team is scheduled for June 19 against Australia in Seattle.

Pulisic shared his thoughts after the match, saying, “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing. Taking a little bit of a precaution today but I’m hoping I’ll be fine in the next few days.” He expressed optimism based on past experiences with similar issues, adding, “I don’t think it’s anything at all.”