Why Is Pulisic Not Playing vs Australia?
The captain and leader of the United States national team will not be in the starting lineup for today’s match against Australia. The starting lineup, indicate that Christian Pulisic will not play after suffering an injury in the opening match against Paraguay on the first matchday of the FIFA World Cup.
The Captain’s Absence Changes United States’ Game Plan
The attacker’s absence represents a major loss for the team managed by Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic is not only the captain, but also the most influential player for United States: a footballer capable of breaking defensive lines, creating chances, and changing the course of a match with an individual play.
Against an opponent like Australia, which proved to be a compact, disciplined, and difficult team to break down, Pulisic’s presence could have been one of the main keys to finding spaces when the match became more complicated. His speed, ability to take on defenders, and experience in important moments make him a constant threat to any defense.
Without him, Pochettino will have to slightly adjust his game plan. The Argentine coach loses a player with unique qualities within the squad, although United States still has enough talent to compete at the highest level.
McKennie and Reyna Must Take on Bigger Roles
Players like Weston McKennie will have a more important role in controlling the midfield and providing balance to the team, while Gio Reyna could receive more minutes and take on greater responsibility in creating attacking opportunities.
The United States national team will have to prove that it can respond without relying only on its main star. In major tournaments, the absence of leaders often tests a squad’s depth, and this match will be an opportunity for other players to step up.
Australia will look to take advantage of Pulisic’s absence, but United States still has the tools to cause problems. The biggest question will be whether the team can maintain its intensity and attacking creativity without its captain on the field.
