Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.Christian Pulisic didn’t score on Thursday as the U.S. tore Paraguay apart. He didn’t have to.Across 45 minutes, before being subbed out at half-time in what hopefully proves to be just a precautionary measure, the 27-year-old Milan star did exactly what was required of him on the biggest stage imaginable.Pulisic set the tone for the USMNT – and it carried throughout the night. The entire team stepped up, but Pulisic created the unmistakable energy and momentum that sent the contest down an unstoppable path.The way he ran down the left flank, challenging defender Juan José Cáceres, was electrifying. He found the right channels and made good decisions in the final third. No one could take the ball off his foot. He was influential in the U.S.’s first two goals, forcing the early own goal and later assisting Folarin Balogun’s first in the 31st minute. That was huge.He set the tone for the team and delivered what his teammates needed: a creative spark and ever-present danger. More so, he delivered what the country needed, right when it needed it.Heading into this World Cup, there were a lot of naysayers. A lot of people worrying about what Pulisic could do. They questioned his form, and with it, his capacity to make a difference this summer.I never lost faith. It is unfair to consider Pulisic’s recent season with Milan without proper context. His shortcomings in Serie A were more down to poor management. We all know what a bad coach can do, and Massimiliano Allegri was terrible for attacking players. His style of play really hurt Pulisic.