Christian Pulisic recorded a notable first when hitting his 29th international goal for the USMNT, while also breaking a three-year cycle for Brazil.
- Forward rediscovered his spark at Milan
- Carried form onto international stage
- Readying himself for Copa America
WHAT HAPPENED?
The AC Milan forward, who has just enjoyed a career-best campaign on the goal front at club level, was on target for his country in their latest friendly date. Pulisic cancelled out an opening effort from Real Madrid star Rodrygo and helped the United States to a morale-boosting 1-1 draw with South American opponents.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Pulisic restored parity in that contest when drilling in a low free-kick, with said strike the first set-piece effort that he has converted on the international stage – and the first that Brazil have conceded since Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez fired home from a dead-ball situation in 2021. The 25-year-old earned his 68th cap when lining up against the Selecao and is now just one goal behind Brian McBride on the USMNT’s all-time chart.
2021 – Christian Pulisic is the first player to score a direct free-kick goal vs. Brazil since Luis Suárez in 2021. Strike. pic.twitter.com/8gl2pvsiP7
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) June 12, 2024
DID YOU KNOW?
Pulisic also took the captain’s armband once again in his latest appearance, and has skippered his country on 23 occasions. That impressive haul has seen him tie for eighth with Thomas Dooley, with his record when filling captaincy duties standing at 16-3-4.
WHAT NEXT?
Gregg Berhalter must decide whether to stick with Pulisic as skipper or appoint somebody else in that role heading into a home Copa America event. The United States will open their campaign in that continental competition against Bolivia on June 23.
