Christian Pulisic on track to play for US vs. Netherlands

Captain America is going to make like Iron Man.

United States men’s national team star winger Christian Pulisic was cleared Friday to play in the World Cup Round-of-16 match against the Netherlands on Saturday, just days after he sustained a bruised pelvic bone.

Pulisic was injured in a brutal collision Tuesday with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand while bravely lunging into traffic to score the difference-making goal in the Americans’ 1-0 win in the group-stage finale.

“No, I didn’t get hit in the balls,” Pulisic helpfully clarified this week. “That bone is there for a reason to protect you, and I hit it well. I was sore.”

Pulisic was removed from the Iran match at halftime and taken to the hospital for tests, stoking fears the 24-year-old talisman of the team — who has 22 goals in 55 career appearances with the USMNT — might miss the duel with the Dutch. Now, he has the green light.

Josh Sargent was not so lucky. Sargent, 22, who started two of the three group-stage matches at center forward, suffered a right ankle injury on an awkward landing avoiding a tackle in the second half against Iran. His status for the match Saturday remains in question.

“I think with Christian we’re hopeful, I think with [Sargent], a little less so,” U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said before practice Friday. “At this stage, it’s go time. If you can push through it, you do. I’m sure he’ll have that mindset.”

If Sargent cannot play, Berhalter could turn back to Haji Wright, who was unremarkable in starting at striker against England, or tap 21-year-old Jesus Ferreira for his World Cup debut.

The other question about the U.S. lineup seemingly revolves around who will start at center back: Walker Zimmerman or Cameron Carter-Vickers. Zimmerman entered the tournament as the first choice, but was responsible for the only goal the USA has allowed, conceding the penalty against Wales. Carter-Vickers started against Iran and acquitted himself well, and possesses an advantage in foot speed and ball skills that could prove important against the high-pressing Dutch.