Veteran Midfielder Makes His Case for the World Cup
Cristian Roldan delivered a masterclass performance against Australia on Tuesday, providing both assists in the United States' 2-1 comeback victory and potentially cementing his place in Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup plans. The Seattle Sounders midfielder's display at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park earned effusive praise from the Argentine manager, who declared: "We need players with confidence, with some belief, with a little bit of competitiveness. Cristian is an example of how, if you want to build your perfect player, he has a little bit of everything."
The 30-year-old's evening began inauspiciously when he failed to properly clear a ball that led to Australia's opening goal in the 19th minute. However, Roldan quickly recovered from that mistake, demonstrating the mental fortitude that has defined his career. Just 15 minutes later, he threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to Haji Wright, who converted with a first-time finish to equalize.
His second assist showcased his exceptional awareness and quick thinking. After a foul in the American half, Roldan immediately spotted Wright's run and delivered a precise long ball into the channel, allowing the striker to score what proved to be the winning goal. Roldan's performance extended beyond just his two assists. He narrowly missed scoring twice himself in the first half—once with a long-range effort that beat goalkeeper Mat Ryan but sailed just wide, and again with a curling shot from inside the box that barely missed the top corner.
The midfielder completed an impressive stat line before being substituted in the 76th minute. He completed 47-of-52 passes, won all four duels, while adding five recoveries and two interceptions. "I'm riding the wave," Roldan said afterward, reflecting on his remarkable resurgence after a two-year absence from the national team.
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