USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted that getting Christian Pulisic back up to full fitness was just as important as the result in their defeat to Turkey.
The co-hosts lost their first match of the World Cup, with a heavily-rotated team falling to a 3-2 defeat in Los Angeles.
The USMNT had already won Group D, so while the defeat was disappointing, it did not have much material impact on their campaign thus far.
The US go through as group winners and are joined by Australia despite losing right at the end. How far is Mauricio Pochettino's side capable of going?
Indeed, Pochettino’s side will play Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday in San Francisco in the newly-created round of 32.
The Argentine made a host of changes to his starting lineup and was pleased to see Pulisic return.
Pochettino pleased with Pulisic impact in USA vs Turkey
The AC Milan star hadn’t played since attempting to play through the pain of a calf injury in the USMNT’s World Cup opener against Paraguay at the start of the tournament.
That appearance only lasted 45 minutes and while his appearance against Turkey only ran for around 32 minutes, Pochettino was impressed with the performance.
Speaking to reporters after the game, the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager said: “The objective was not just to win, but to get Christian 30-40 minutes.
“He finished well and he made an impact on the pitch.”
The USMNT will no doubt be expected to beat their opponents in the next round, despite the quality that Bosnia and Herzegovina bring.
If they are to reach the last 16 at the very least, having a fit and firing Pulisic is of the utmost importance.
The 27-year-old played a key role in setting up two of his country’s goals against Paraguay in their 4-1 win and few would doubt that the former Chelsea forward is the USMNT’s very best player.
It is hugely promising for their chances, then, that Pochettino was pleased that Pulisic emerged through his return unscathed ahead of the knockout rounds, which start later this week.
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