\n\n

Landon Donovan joins Christian Pulisic criticism following USA's World Cup exit with harsh observation

Christian Pulisic is not getting the benefit of the doubt from anyone.

In perhaps the most important World Cup in the history of soccer in the United States, Pulisic ultimately did not make an impact.

Pulisic got hurt in the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opener, causing him to miss its next game before playing limited minutes in the group stage finale.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

But Pulisic, the face of U.S. Soccer, disappointed in both knockout-stage games and left the Round of 16 match against Belgium after an ankle injury. After the loss, Pulisic said he can “rest.”

Landon Donovan saw both the highs and lows during his World Cup career, and while he admitted he “want[ed] to be careful” regarding his observation about Pulisic, the USMNT legend did not hold back much about the criticism he “deserves.”

“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 “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast with former teammate Tim Howard. “That’s part and parcel with this role. It’s just disappointing, I was waiting for a moment for him… and it just didn’t happen.”

TAYLOR TWELLMAN GOES OFF ON TEAM USA AFTER DISASTROUS 4-1 LOSS TO BELGIUM: ‘CAN’T MISS FUNDAMENTALS’

“I’m starting to look back, Tim — it’s more than just a trend now. It is,” Donovan continued. “Like, when the games are easy, and it’s a home qualifier, and it’s Jamaica, yes. But in the big moments and the big games, he just hasn’t — I’m not criticizing, I’m just saying it factually. He is who he is at this point.”

Donovan also was not thrilled that Pulisic left the Belgium game.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

“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 said. “And I would have punched the doctor in the face and said, ‘You’re not taking me off the field. Put whatever you need to put in me, and I’m staying on the field.’”

Howard was cryptic in his not-so-positive Pulisic analysis, saying he is a “nice footballer,” but “outside of that, you’d have to ask me very direct questions to which I could give you very direct answers.”

Pulisic has just one goal in eight career World Cup games. In Monday’s loss, he lost possession 11 times in the first half.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Related Posts

Christian family takes fight to DC embassy after government seizes daughters over 'religious extremism'

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). WASHINGTON, D.C. —…

JonBenet Ramsey mystery reignited by lab scandal that adds pressure to unleash DNA help dad is ‘begging’ for

A disgraced Colorado DNA analyst’s guilty plea is putting JonBenét Ramsey’s murder back in the spotlight, as her father renews his push for cutting-edge DNA testing that he believes could…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Missed

JonBenet Ramsey mystery reignited by lab scandal that adds pressure to unleash DNA help dad is ‘begging’ for

JonBenet Ramsey mystery reignited by lab scandal that adds pressure to unleash DNA help dad is ‘begging’ for

Christian family takes fight to DC embassy after government seizes daughters over 'religious extremism'

Christian family takes fight to DC embassy after government seizes daughters over 'religious extremism'

NYC to move 110 single homeless men to quiet Brooklyn neighborhood, leaving locals worried: report

NYC to move 110 single homeless men to quiet Brooklyn neighborhood, leaving locals worried: report

Conor McGregor reacts to disastrous UFC return: 'My head gasket is gone'

Conor McGregor reacts to disastrous UFC return: 'My head gasket is gone'

Google may use your photos and voice to train AI

Google may use your photos and voice to train AI

US launches fresh strikes as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz | BBC News

US launches fresh strikes as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz | BBC News