Christian Pulisic, 24, was Captain America for the last few years, before a team vote, according to head coach Gregg Berhalter, just before this World Cup saw the leader’s armband go to Tyler Adams. And while the latter has lived up to the appointment with his hard work and man management skills, Pulisic has not let the leadership shift affect his commitment one bit.

On Tuesday night, at a choc-a-bloc Al Thumama Stadium, Pulisic went all in, like a warrior literally, as he bundled home a Sergino Dest cross for what turned out to be the only goal of the match, without thinking twice that he could get seriously hurt by the collision with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. The crucial 38-minute strike saw USA storm into the Round of 16 where they will meet The Netherlands on Saturday. Pulisic lay on the turf near the Iran goal and was treated by the US team’s support staff before hobbling off and then returning to complete the half. He was taken off in the second half though and sent to hospital where he was diagnosed with a pelvic contusion. American fans would have feared fate dealing them a Neymaresque blow here.