• Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has led the congratulatory messages to the American team after they qualified for the round of 16
• Christian Pulsiic’s goal against Iran ensured that Gregg Berhalter’s charges qualified as runners-up behind England
• James has expressed his support for the team as they prepare to face the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Saturday

Christian Pulisic and the American national football team has received plaudits from arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, LeBron James, following their heroics in Qatar.

Pulisic starred against Iran as America confirmed their spot in the round of 16 at the ongoing World Cup finals.

America headed into the game needing maximum points to book their spot after successive draws against Wales and England in their first two games.

After dominating play for long periods of time, the Chelsea winger turned in a cross from Sergino Dest seven minutes from halftime. The goal came at a great personal cost as Pulisic had to be subbed off with an abdominal strain, but the goal was enough to the Gregg Berlhalter’s men through.

Congratulatory messages have streamed from Americans led by James, who encouraged the team to keep going.

James is a fan of the national side and has often not shied away from expressing his support for the team. He is a strong fan of Christian Pulisic. He once uploaded a photo of himself donning a jersey of the former Borussia Dortmund star.

The USA will face the Netherlands on Saturday, looking to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

How USA beat Iran

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Christian Pulisic fired the United States into the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday as the Americans downed Iran 1-0 in their politically charged grudge match.

Chelsea star Pulisic bundled home the do-or-die Group B game’s only goal in 38 minutes to set up a second-round clash with Group A winners the Netherlands on Saturday.

The victory was no less than US coach Gregg Berhalter’s youthful side deserved in what was only the third international football clash between the bitter ideological rivals. The build-up to a pulsating showdown had been marked by steadily escalating tension, with Iran’s Football Federation on Sunday demanding FIFA sanction US Soccer for posting a modified version of their country’s flag on social media.

Pulisic vows to be ready for Netherlands clash

Sports Brief has also reported that Pulisic didn’t let an injury stop him as he celebrated his team’s victory over Iran in the FIFA World Cup.

Pulisic was taken to hospital after he sustained an injury following a collision with Iran’s goalkeeper, Alireza Beiranvand. The collision occurred in the 38th minute as Pulisic opened the scoring for the United States Men’s National Team.

The goal would prove to be crucial as the USMNT ran out 1-0 winners. Pulisic tried to continue playing but was eventually substituted at half-time.

Source: SportsBrief.com