One of Tim Weah’s first hugs after the United States men’s national team advanced from the group stage with a 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday was with the president and first lady.
The President and First Lady of Liberia, namely George and Clar Weah, Tim’s parents.
George Weah had a legendary football career of his own, but his son now has something he never had: a World Cup goal. George was never able to lead the Liberia national team to the tournament despite a long and storied career there.
American Tim Weah scores a goal against Wales
This added to Tim’s emotions by scoring in the 36th minute of the USMNT’s 1-1 draw against Wales in their first match of the 2022 World Cup group stage, with George and Of course assistants.
Related: A father’s dream come true: Tim Weah takes the family legacy to the World Cup
But Tim Weah revealed in a discussion Wednesday with FOX Soccer analysts Alexi Lalas, Maurice Edu and Clint Dempsey, all former USMNT stars, that the moment he lived with his parents on Tuesday after the U.S. officially punching their ticket to the knockout stage beat anyone. that had come before.
“This is the moment of my life so far,” Weah said as he watched the video of the hug. “You dream of this as a kid, playing in front of your parents and making them proud. My dad texted me, ‘Son, thanks for making us proud.’ My mom told me that ‘loved and that she is very proud of me.’
However, Weah’s goal on November 21 with an assist from Christian Pulisic is not far behind.
“It’s a blessing,” Weah said. “It’s something I can’t really explain. After watching the USMNT over the years, watching guys like Clint score bangs at the World Cup, it was always my dream to do the same. And to do it in front of everybody. country, my family and everyone else’s family out there, it was definitely an amazing feeling.”
Shortly after the 22-year-old New Yorker met his parents on Tuesday, Weah shared another emotional hug with Pulisic, who suffered a pelvic contusion while scoring the decisive goal late in the first half against Iran.
Pulisic was briefly hospitalized as a precaution, but had returned to the team hotel ahead of his teammates after the win. As soon as Weah saw Pulisic, he ran and hugged his fellow World Cup goalscorer.
“I was texting Christian in the dressing room after the game,” Weah said. “I said, ‘Brother, are you okay?’ Make sure you’re okay. We need you.”
Pulisic has publicly insisted he will be available for the USMNT’s Round of 16 match with Group A winner Holland on Saturday (9 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app), and Weah confirmed that Pulisic “is doing well.” Weah also said the joyous atmosphere around the team did not diminish once the cameras stopped rolling.
“Everybody was going crazy,” Weah said. “It was an amazing experience. After the win, you just want to celebrate and get all those nerves out of us. It was definitely a vibe.”
Related: Christian Pulisic scores USA’s biggest goal in 12 years as USMNT advance
Weah called this young USMNT team a “special group” that has its own unique ways of coming together that differ from the Edu and Dempsey era, when the team kept loose by playing video games and at billiards Weah is the current Team USA’s “music man,” known for changing the team’s playlist by adding artists like 112 and Luther Vandross, and even producing his own beats at times, too .
“We do a lot of things,” Weah said. “We watch movies, we get excited. But I think the most important thing is that we all do yoga together, meditate together, just bringing those vibes and that energy. It’s been good and keeps us balanced and ready for this challenge.”
“It’s us against the world”
Tim Weah discusses the USMNT’s mindset on advancing to the Round of 16, his teammate Christian Pulisic and beating Iran.
That challenge comes in the form of the United States’ matchup with the Netherlands.
A win in this match would give Weah and his teammates something even USMNT legends like Lalas, Edu and Dempsey never experienced: a trip to the quarter-final round of the World Cup, where the United States has not been since 2002.
“It’s going to be a huge game for us,” Weah said. “As a young group, to get this experience of qualifying for the last 16 will be great. Playing a team like Holland with a lot of talent will be a challenge, but we are ready for it. We have a lot of talent ourselves. We are ready to take it to the next level and perform on the highest stage.”
Related: Alexi’s World Cup Power Rankings: The U.S. is in the top 10
The three former players were also overwhelmed, and perhaps a little jealous, when Weah ate at the USMNT’s accommodation at the team’s hotel in Doha, Qatar. Weah said the USMNT has access to a state-of-the-art lounge, movie theater, private bar and restaurant, exclusive access beach and even a barber shop.
“Can we get in there? Can you hook us up?” Lalas said jokingly.
Weah was not about to deny his USMNT predecessors.
“You guys have the invite,” he said, then turned to Edu and smiled.
“Come get in shape.”
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