Pulisic 1st hat trick leads US to 5-1 win, World Cup brink

ORLANDO, Fla. — American players unfurled a red-and-blue banner with “QUALIFIED” in bold, white letters, when Christian Pulisic realized what was going on. “Once we realized — there’s no need to show that off because we still have a job to do.” Pulisic’s first international hat trick led the U.S. over Panama 5-1 on Sunday night and moved the Americans to the brink of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 2014. “We’re going to prepare exactly the same as we would if we needed a win.” Pulisic converted two penalty kicks during a four-goal burst in the first half that also saw Paul Arriola and Jesús Ferreira score, then boosted the lead to 5-0 on a memorable goal with two brilliant touches that evaded a pair of defenders. “I was in this exact position or very similar position four years ago, and we know how that qualification ended.” Pulisic’s 21 international goals include 12 in World Cup qualifying. So it was just a nice moment.” Notes: Costa Rica won 2-1 at El Salvador on goals by Anthony Contreras on a bicycle kick in the 30th minute and Joel Campbell in the first minute of first-half stoppage time around Christian Gil’s score in the 31st.. Mexico won 1-0 at Honduras on Edson Álvarez’s 70th-minute goal.