US returns to World Cup despite 2-0 loss at Costa Rica

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Christian Pulisic walked across the field with a towel draped around his head, angry after another U.S. defeat.

"We're competitors, man. We hate to lose. In the moment I was frustrated," he said. "It took me a little bit for it to sink in, that the qualification hit."

Nearly 4 1/2 years after Pulisic buried his head in his hands to hide tears of failure, the U.S. rebounded to qualify for this year's World Cup. A 2-0 loss to Costa Rica on Wednesday left the Americans in third place after the final night of qualifying, the final guaranteed berth from North and Central America and the Caribbean.

For Pulisic, DeAndre Yedlin, Kellyn Acosta and Paul Arriola, smiles of relief broke out after an unrelenting burden was lifted.

"This is whatever I've always wanted to be, and right now emotions are a bit crazy," Pulisic said, his voice quavering.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Costa Rica's Brandon Aguilera, below, and United States' Yunus Musah battle for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in San Jose, Costa Rica, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

On the 1,267th day after a 2-1 loss at Trinidad and Tobago ended the Americans’ streak of seven straight World Cup appearances, Yedlin addressed the team before the kickoff.

"I just thanked each and every one of them for giving me a second opportunity to redeem myself, and the country a second opportunity to redeem itself," said the 28-year-old defender, the only American left from the 2014 tournament.

The U.S. remained winless in 12 qualifiers at Costa Rica, with 10 defeats and two draws.

Juan Pablo Vargas got behind Walker