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Arizona Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt was left with the utmost respect for Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic. With the USMNT needing a win to secure safe passage through to the next stage of the World Cup, it was Pulisic who came through for his country.
However, he might not be feeling the best right now.
The midfielder scored the game's only goal as the USA managed a 1-0 win over Iran to move them to second in Group B with five points, two behind England.
Pulisic scored in the 38th minute and laid his entire body on the line, including as Watt put it, his "crown jewels."
"Sacrificing the crown jewels for a massive goal in the World Cup… that’s dedication @cpulisic_10. We salute you."
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also gave his thoughts on Christian Pulisic's goal.
"Let's go!!!"
Other football-related accounts gave their thoughts on the midfielder's heroics in Qatar.
If no one in the NFL community knew who Christian Pulisic was, they do now. His exploits at the World Cup would have surely fired him to the top of everyone's list.
Christian Pulisic sends the USA through to the next stage of the World Cup
The midfielder's goal was important as it lifted the USA above Iran and into second spot in Group B. That means that the USA have now qualified for the next stage of the World Cup.
That is some feat. With Cardinals defensive end Watt watching on in amazement, along with other NFL fans, the USMNT managed to pull out a win. With 12 shots on goal to Iran's four, the USA were good value for their win.
Despite all the celebrations over qualifying for the next round of the World Cup, the NFL community is still in shock over Pulisic's sacrifice to get that all-important first goal.
If JJ Watt was left impressed, then we know it must be good.
However, the US's exploits are only set to get harder from here. Seeded second in Group B, the outfit is set to square off against the winner of Group A, which happens to be the Netherlands.
