USMNT star still regrets missed chance in World Cup loss to Netherlands
United States Men's National Team star Christian Pulisic feels the same way American supporters do about his missed chance early in the World Cup round-of-16 loss to the Netherlands.
"Had I finished that chance, the game goes differently," Pulisic remarked on the "Indirect" podcast hosted by USMNT defender Tim Ream, as shared by ESPN. "I would love that back. I still think about it. It's a learning experience. I think there's a reason why it didn't go in, things happened the way it did. It all happens for a reason."
In the third minute of the Dec. 3 knockout match, Pulisic was played through into the box for a one-on-one attempt against Holland goalkeeper Andries Noppert. The 24-year-old probably should've gotten under the ball more but instead hit a left-footed strike that Noppert saved.
Replays showed that Pulisic was onside for an opportunity that may haunt him for years to come:
The Netherlands responded when Memphis Depay opened the scoring in the game's 10th minute, and Daley Blind doubled Holland's lead shortly before halftime. Ultimately, the U.S. suffered a 3-1 defeat that bounced them from the World Cup.
Following the loss, U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter received heavy criticism for his tactics against the Dutch.
The Americans played to draws against Wales and England before they earned a 1-0 win over Iran to advance beyond the tournament's group stage. Pulisic added during the podcast that members of Premier League side Chelsea, his club employer, were left impressed by what they saw from the USMNT in Qatar.
"Coming back here with my Chelsea teammates, for example, they're all talking about like, 'You guys actually have a good team. We didn't know. You guys looked good, you guys looked good against England, you guys have a strong team,'" Pulisic explained.
He also said this fall should serve as a positive experience for the squad heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature games in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Chelsea entered the World Cup break eighth in the Premier League table. The Blues return to action when they face AFC Bournemouth (14th in the league) on Dec. 27.
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