Injured US attacker Pulisic feels better, hopes to face Dutch

DOHA : U.S. attacker Christian Pulisic said on Thursday he was recovering from an injury sustained scoring a crucial goal against Iran and aspired to be fit enough to face the Netherlands in Saturday's last-16 clash at the World Cup.

"I'm taking it day-by-day for now and I will do everything in my power to work with this medical team and make sure I can play," Pulisic said at the U.S. training camp, adding that his pelvic contusion was painful but improving.

"That bone is there for a reason to protect you. It was sore. But it's getting better."

The 24-year-old is the star of a young U.S. squad and his absence on Saturday would be a huge blow to their chances. But Pulisic was full of praise for the players around him.

"I'm really happy with the team spirit. To get out of the group is an unbelievable accomplishment," he said.

"It feels great to be where we're at right now, but there's still more to come."

'CONFUSED'

Pulisic described his confusion after being hurt as he bundled the ball in against Iran in the United States' final group game, and then his tension as he followed the second half via a trainer's telephone while receiving treatment.

"I realise the ball went in but I was a bit confused. It didn't really feel like a celebration," he said.

"To score a goal and help the team in any way I can is what I'm here to do. I'm here to make big plays and do what I can to help the team ... There's still a lot ahead."

Teammate Timothy Weah, who has also grabbed one goal in Qatar so far, said the United States were not underestimating the challenge against the higher-ranked Dutch despite the strong start.

"I think we all know that Netherlands is a big team, with a lot of quality players," he said, adding that he hoped his side were