U.S. soccer legends Landon Donovan and Carli Lloyd have voiced criticism of star player Christian Pulisic following the United States Men's National Team's (USMNT) exit from the World Cup. The team was eliminated after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16.
Donovan, a former USMNT captain, stated that Pulisic, often referred to as 'Captain America,' did not deliver the expected performances in crucial moments. "In the end, he's your best player, he's your star player, and it just didn't happen for him," Donovan said on his podcast, "Unfiltered Soccer." He added, "I was waiting for a moment for him … and it just didn't happen." Donovan also noted a pattern, suggesting Pulisic has struggled to perform in significant games, contrasting his play in less demanding matches.
Donovan drew a parallel to his own difficult 2006 World Cup performance but maintained that Pulisic's tournament was "disappointing." Pulisic had previously opted out of the Gold Cup the previous year to prioritize readiness for the World Cup, a decision that drew criticism at the time. His World Cup campaign was also hampered by injuries, including a calf injury sustained in the opening match and an ankle injury that forced him off in the second half of the game against Belgium.
"The reality is, he came out of a World Cup knockout game at home, with his leg still intact. Because you would have had to f***ing drag me off the field," Donovan commented, emphasizing his own competitive drive. "I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, 'You're not taking me off the field.'"
Two-time World Cup winner Carli Lloyd echoed Donovan's sentiments. Speaking as an analyst for Fox, Lloyd expressed disappointment in Pulisic's overall contribution. "I think big time players, you wanted some of those big time players to step up in big moments. I've got to be honest, I was a bit disappointed in Christian Pulisic," she stated. Lloyd felt that "we didn't see enough from him in this particular game and really, the whole World Cup. Little glimpses here and there."
Lloyd also described the team's demeanor before the match, saying, "I felt like they lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch. I'm not sure why. I don't know the reasons but just from the beginning - chasing, tentative, scared, not confident on the ball."
In his post-game comments, Pulisic acknowledged the frustrating end to the tournament but stressed the need for rest. "It's just frustrating to end like that, of course. But now I have time to rest. I feel it'll be OK," he said. He added that he felt his level was high during the summer with his teammates but acknowledged not having the moments he desired to help the team advance past a strong opponent. "I'm disappointed with myself, of course, but I'm going to try to stay positive. I did a lot of good things and the team did as well."
Pulisic was forced off with an ankle injury in the 59th minute of the match against Belgium.
Lloyd reiterated her criticism on social media the following day, tweeting, "You rest when your playing career is over. Period."
Pulisic's World Cup was affected by injuries throughout the tournament.
Carli Lloyd also weighed in on Pulisic's performance and comments.
