KoreAmBear said:

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Will Berhalter never use Gio one of our most skilled players? Ugh.

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It`s a pretty well-coached team though, good game overall.

The tie vs England looks good on paper but doesn`t do much in terms of qualifying, now it`s beat Iran or go home. Iran can qualify with a tie, unless England loses to Wales.

Cal88 said:

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KoreAmBear said:

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Will Berhalter never use Gio one of our most skilled players? Ugh.

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It`s a pretty well-coached team though, good game overall.

The tie vs England looks good on paper but doesn`t do much in terms of qualifying, now it`s beat Iran or go home. Iran can qualify with a tie, unless England loses to Wales.

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The pressure to actually win (not tie) is pretty immense.

Although England is skilled, the US youngsters made them look slow.

Don't touch that channel, Cal v. UCLA next on Fox!

Fantastic US performance, best since 2002, against a very good English team. Who were fine with a draw, but still, it was amazing.

The US is short two players, a striker and a center back for Zimmerman, but otherwise matches up with anyone. Tough game against Iran who probably only needs a draw.

sluggo said:

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Fantastic US performance, best since 2002, against a very good English team. Who were fine with a draw, but still, it was amazing.

The US is short two players, a striker and a center back for Zimmerman, but otherwise matches up with anyone. Tough game against Iran who probably only needs a draw.

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Zimmerman has costed us the first two games.

Costed us 3 points v. Wales.

Made a horrific pass that allowed the free kick to England and nearly costed us a draw, as Kane had a free header and shanked it.

He had a good game overall today though.

One thing I don`t get about Berhalter is that he seemed satisfied with a draw late in the game, he should have thrown the kitchen sink into the English side, a loss today being about just as bad as a draw in terms of qualifying.

KoreAmBear said:

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sluggo said:

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Fantastic US performance, best since 2002, against a very good English team. Who were fine with a draw, but still, it was amazing.

The US is short two players, a striker and a center back for Zimmerman, but otherwise matches up with anyone. Tough game against Iran who probably only needs a draw.

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Zimmerman has costed us the first two games.

Costed us 3 points v. Wales.

Made a horrific pass that allowed the free kick to England and nearly costed us a draw, as Kane had a free header and shanked it.

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Only MLS starter. Just saying. If Chris Richards (who plays in the premier league) was not hurt, I think he would have been in there instead. In modern soccer all 11 players need to be able to use their feet. Turner used to be bad with his feet, but he was great today. Every time Zimmerman touched the ball I got so nervous.

Shaq Moore and Deandre Yedlin are also in MLS and have been atrocious.

This team is going to be great in 2026. Just need two or three breakthrough players between now and then. And maybe a more open-minded coach who understands that if you don't have a striker, you don't play a striker.

Cal88 said:

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He had a good game overall today though.

One thing I don`t get about Berhalter is that he seemed satisfied with a draw late in the game, he should have thrown the kitchen sink into the English side, a loss today being about just as bad as a draw in terms of qualifying.

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He probably thought subbing in Aaronson and Gio was his idea of going for it lol.

Cal88 said:

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He had a good game overall today though.

One thing I don`t get about Berhalter is that he seemed satisfied with a draw late in the game, he should have thrown the kitchen sink into the English side, a loss today being about just as bad as a draw in terms of qualifying.

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This seems to be the general issue with Berhalter.

That said, this young team probably is four years away from being truly dangerous.

KoreAmBear said:

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Cal88 said:

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KoreAmBear said:

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Will Berhalter never use Gio one of our most skilled players? Ugh.

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It`s a pretty well-coached team though, good game overall.

The tie vs England looks good on paper but doesn`t do much in terms of qualifying, now it`s beat Iran or go home. Iran can qualify with a tie, unless England loses to Wales.

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The pressure to actually win (not tie) is pretty immense.

Although England is skilled, the US youngsters made them look slow.

Don't touch that channel, Cal v. UCLA next on Fox!

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Iran is going to park the bus for sure. USA should have enough talent to break through, but will they?

KoreAmBear said:

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Cal88 said:

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He had a good game overall today though.

One thing I don`t get about Berhalter is that he seemed satisfied with a draw late in the game, he should have thrown the kitchen sink into the English side, a loss today being about just as bad as a draw in terms of qualifying.

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He probably thought subbing in Aaronson and Gio was his idea of going for it lol.

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Well yes, those are the two best US attackers on the bench, what else could he have done? It is very, very difficult to score against England. I think keeping it close and hoping for a moment of inspiration was the right strategy. And Pulisic hit the bar, while McKennie should have scored.

England saved in postcolonial grudge match by USA's invisible striker


https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/26/england-united-states-usa-world-cup-2022-qatar-soccer-striker?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

sluggo said:

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Fantastic US performance, best since 2002, against a very good English team. Who were fine with a draw, but still, it was amazing.

The US is short two players, a striker and a center back for Zimmerman, but otherwise matches up with anyone. Tough game against Iran who probably only needs a draw.

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Miles Robinson seemed to have been a lock for the #1 Center Back before his tragic injury many months ago. ACL I believe.

And young Chris Richards may have been paired with him, but now he, too, became injured.

John Brooks had been the #1 but for mysterious reasons was utterly dropped from the team last year.

Enter MLS' Zimmerman, who folks had been unexcited about, but he played admirably and won confidence - until his terrible PK foul on Gareth Bale, backed up by 3 turnovers yesterday.

But it's been old vet Tim Ream, playing at Fulham, who's been my #1 roster surprise! He hadn't even been included in the roster for years until the September camp (I believe), and then he gets the starts AND has been steady, competent, never beat and always in position. He's not pacy, or a threat to score on aerial header on set pieces, but exactly what has been needed. Phew!

Now, regarding striker…. Maybe there's some 16 year old Michael Jordan out there waiting to burst on the scene come WC 2026 - because this WC is really only just to get our young stars experience. I don't expect anything from them now.

Beat Iran. Then maybe surprise a team, or two! Anything can happen in soccer. The fates often decide.

Should we beat Iran, the next opponent in the round of 16 will probably be Holland, then after that, looks like Argentina...

Most likely final at this point (though far from certain of course) looks like France-Brazil, these are the top two teams in the tournament. You have a bracket with Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Holland in one half, and a slightly easier group of England, France, Portugal and Belgium in the other. Spain is the toughest matchup for Brazil on the way to the final, Portugal for France. Looks like France-England in the QF, always a great rivalry game, but a good matchup for France.

This has been a good tournament so far, the 2nd and 3rd group stage games are usually pretty exciting because teams are heavily rewarded for a win (3pts, vs 1 for a tie). The bracket games tend to be more tentative, cautious defensive affairs with coaches and teams having less recourse in case of an error than in group play, which is more or less a double elimination format, where a single loss can be redeemed.

Survive and advance!

sycasey said:

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Survive and advance!

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Nah, WIN and advance!

That was intense.

Well done USA. They may actually beat Holland especially if Pulisic plays..My country men are slow and desinterested.

Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Bring on Gio Reyna.

sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

Should be an even game on Saturday. Holland has a strong back line and a 6'8'' keeper, but among their attackers only Frenkie DeJong is first rate. I think the US has a better midfield.

The US in one ball playing center back and a striker from being able to give anyone a game. The 2002 team was young and had success in the heat, but this is the best the team has been. And they should be even better in 2026.

bearsandgiants said:

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sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

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He missed the whole second half. I guarantee that wasn't part of the plan.

bearsandgiants said:

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sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

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You have seen his scan results?

sluggo said:

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bearsandgiants said:

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sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

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You have seen his scan results?

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Yes. Fractured ego and missing heart.

bearsandgiants said:

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sluggo said:

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bearsandgiants said:

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sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

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You have seen his scan results?

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Yes. Fractured ego and missing heart.

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This is . . . not the day to be making this claim.

bearsandgiants said:

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sluggo said:

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bearsandgiants said:

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sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

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You have seen his scan results?

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Yes. Fractured ego and missing heart.

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You may need to try a different sport. He is no worse or better than is typical. And I do think he has a real injury.

I do think rules are needed to give players an incentive to get up, like rules in football when helmets come off.

sycasey said:

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bearsandgiants said:

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sluggo said:

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bearsandgiants said:

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sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

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You have seen his scan results?

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Yes. Fractured ego and missing heart.

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This is . . . not the day to be making this claim.

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Ok. I take it back. I feel bad for the guy if he is truly hurt. But he's been flopping and complaining all 3 games. He did it in the qualifiers. He whined when he got pulled against Canada. His lollygagging almost cost us a goal against wales. I hope he's ok, but the team deserves more of a team player. Not a fan of him.

sluggo said:

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bearsandgiants said:

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sluggo said:

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bearsandgiants said:

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sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

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You have seen his scan results?

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Yes. Fractured ego and missing heart.

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You may need to try a different sport. He is no worse or better than is typical. And I do think he has a real injury.

I do think rules are needed to give players an incentive to get up, like rules in football when helmets come off.

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You're supposed to get carded for flopping. They should video review that as well. Would solve it.

I'm not sure what to do about flopping. The nature of the game seems to heavily incentivize it.

sycasey said:

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I'm not sure what to do about flopping. The nature of the game seems to heavily incentivize it.

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The ref for the game was excellent, I have seen him many times before, he appears to be the top ref in Spain. I did not see one flop the whole game that was called mistakenly, and I am not sure there were any pure flops. I did see many players go down easily and scream as they went down. That probably can't be stopped. But they could say if you don't get up right away you have to sit out for a couple minutes. I think the game delay is the problem.

Pulisic goes down easily but also gets repeatedly hammered because he is small and quick. He complains like all the rest. I root for him.

sluggo said:

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sycasey said:

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I'm not sure what to do about flopping. The nature of the game seems to heavily incentivize it.

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The ref for the game was excellent, I have seen him many times before, he appears to be the top ref in Spain. I did not see one flop the whole game that was called mistakenly, and I am not sure there were any pure flops. I did see many players go down easily and scream as they went down. That probably can't be stopped. But they could say if you don't get up right away you have to sit out for a couple minutes. I think the game delay is the problem.

Pulisic goes down easily but also gets repeatedly hammered because he is small and quick. He complains like all the rest. I root for him.

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I definitely don't think Pulisic is any worse about this than anyone else.

bearsandgiants said:

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sluggo said:

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bearsandgiants said:

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sycasey said:

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Netherlands has looked pretty good, but they've also had the easiest competition thus far, so who's to say if that means anything?

If Pulisic can't go then that will really hurt the Americans' chances, obviously.

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Pulisic is fine. He's spent half the tournament flopping around and whining.

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You have seen his scan results?

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Yes. Fractured ego and missing heart.

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To go along with a winning goal. Pelvic contusion; day to day. I suspect if possible he'll be ready Saturday.

sycasey said:

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sluggo said:

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sycasey said:

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I'm not sure what to do about flopping. The nature of the game seems to heavily incentivize it.

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The ref for the game was excellent, I have seen him many times before, he appears to be the top ref in Spain. I did not see one flop the whole game that was called mistakenly, and I am not sure there were any pure flops. I did see many players go down easily and scream as they went down. That probably can't be stopped. But they could say if you don't get up right away you have to sit out for a couple minutes. I think the game delay is the problem.

Pulisic goes down easily but also gets repeatedly hammered because he is small and quick. He complains like all the rest. I root for him.

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I definitely don't think Pulisic is any worse about this than anyone else.

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Can you imagine flopping and not being able to get up and celebrate with your teammates after striking the go ahead (winning) goal. I don't think that was a flop.

OdontoBear66 said:

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sycasey said:

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sluggo said:

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sycasey said:

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I'm not sure what to do about flopping. The nature of the game seems to heavily incentivize it.

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The ref for the game was excellent, I have seen him many times before, he appears to be the top ref in Spain. I did not see one flop the whole game that was called mistakenly, and I am not sure there were any pure flops. I did see many players go down easily and scream as they went down. That probably can't be stopped. But they could say if you don't get up right away you have to sit out for a couple minutes. I think the game delay is the problem.

Pulisic goes down easily but also gets repeatedly hammered because he is small and quick. He complains like all the rest. I root for him.

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I definitely don't think Pulisic is any worse about this than anyone else.

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Can you imagine flopping and not being able to get up and celebrate with your teammates after striking the go ahead (winning) goal. I don't think that was a flop.

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This one definitely wasn't a fake injury. Pulisic would not have wanted to miss half the game on purpose.