Football
ESPN staff 8y

Christian Pulisic was 'wonderful' in United States' win - Jurgen Klinsmann

U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann praised a "wonderful" performance from Christian Pulisic as his side beat Trinidad and Tobago 4-0.

The United States overcame their opponents to win Group C in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying and secure its position in the Hexagonal with a spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia on the line.

Jozy Altidore netted a brace while Sacha Kljestan and Paul Arriola were also on target, but it was Pulisic who starred for Klinsmann's side, becoming the youngest player to start for the U.S. in a World Cup qualifier in the process.

Klinsmann said: "As we've said over the last few months, one step at a time, but the step was right today. We watch every training session.

"Obviously, Copa America helped us a lot to bring him along and get comfortable in this group of older guys. He was very mature the way he trained every session. He was very focused.

"We thought, it's a good time now. Obviously, the performance was wonderful for us."

Borussia Dortmund's Pulisic added: "It took us a bit of time to start to get a feel for the game, which is important. Once we got it, we gave it to them. We did a great job today."

Klinsmann also reserved praise for New York Red Bulls midfielder Kljestan, who opened the scoring before half-time.

"I think the way Sacha now plays at the New York Red Bulls, this is a role that he really is good at and he brought himself back into this roster," he said.

"So [I need to] make sure we give him the opportunity to play the No. 10 role. Automatically, that means Michael [Bradley] is more of the No. 6 in this game. Whether we need him as a No. 8 or a No. 10, it's not a problem."

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