The USA men’s soccer team accomplished its goal of reaching the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup. Facing a win-or-go-home situation against Iran on Tuesday afternoon, the USA broke through with a goal by Christian Pulisic to get the lead near the end of the first half and would never give it back. As the second-place team in Group B, it will play Group A winner Netherlands on Saturday in the Round of 16. Let’s look at the USA-Netherlands odds for Saturday.
Check out the opening odds for USA vs. Netherlands, via DraftKings:
USA: +350
Draw: +235
Netherlands: -115
Though the win was cause for much excitement countrywide, the game-winner by Pulisic game at a cost. The Chelsea winger was clearly in pain after a collision with the Iran goalkeeper on the play. And after being substituted off at halftime, he was taken to a hospital for scans that revealed a pelvic contusion.
“Obviously we’re very thankful that he threw his body there,” teammate Weston McKennie said after the match, via ESPN. “At the end it was a heart-drop-sinking moment, but we got it done and we’re excited to still be here.”
For Christian Pulisic, it was a moment he’s been waiting for his whole life. Pulisic, who was born in Hershey, Pa., was brought to tears when the USA failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but he made sure to make his mark this time around.
In this World Cup, coach Gregg Berhalter has a plethora of young, talented stars at his disposal, and a team that now has nothing to lose for the remainder of the tournament.
Pulisic says he will play Saturday, with U.S. Soccer saying he is day to day.