…
The USMNT (United States Men’s National Team) finished their group matches by defeating Iran in the World Cup in Qatar.
After a draw in the first two games, the team needed a win to advance to the next round.
However, thanks to a goal from Christian Pulisic, the USMNT managed to break through.
Summary
The game against Iran was a make-or-break situation for Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Despite a past absence, the team more than made up for that after three games.
While the first two games were problematic, as Team USA dropped four points to Wales and England, the USMNT managed to move on to the next phase.
Christian Pulisic scored in the first half and gave Iran a mountain to climb.
At the final whistle, the USMNT reached the round of 16 for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.
However, Berhalter and the young Americans became concerned after star player Pulisic suffered an abdominal injury while scoring the game-winning goal.
Read also: USMNT ends first World Cup game in a draw
Lineups
Gregg Berhalter fielded a solid eleven against Iran in a game they needed to win.
The team consisted of the following people:
- Matt Turner
- Antonee Robinson
- Tim Ream
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Sergino Dest
- Tyler Adams
- Yunus Musah
- Weston McKennie
- Christian Pulisic
- Josh Sargent
- Tim Weah
Meanwhile, Iran assembled a strong team to make life difficult for the American side.
Carlos Queiroz built a team that included:
- Alireza Beiranvand
- Ehsan Hajsafi
- Milad Mohammadi
- Saeid Ezatolahi
- Morteza Pouraliganji
- Mehdi Taremi
- Ali Gholizadeh
- Majid Hosseini
- Sardar Azmoun
- Ahmad Nourollahi
- Ramin Rezaeian
Read also: Qatar World Cup debut ends in loss to Ecuador
The match
The clash between the USMNT and Iran would always be intense.
It was also their first meeting on the soccer field.
Gregg Berhalter’s team showed determination during the match, and the USMNT started with 65% possession.
However, Team USA’s first chance came after about half an hour.
The Iranian keeper quickly intercepted an attempt by Tim Weah, but that only spurred the USMNT to do better.
Finally, Christian Pulisic broke the deadlock while clashing with Beiranvand.
“Captain America” had to be helped off the field by two medics.
Even when he returned to the game, Pulisic was clearly in pain.
As the second half began, Iran did everything possible to hold back the United States.
Substitute Saman Ghoddos had two chances to level the field, but Matt Turner remained unmoved.
Iran claimed a penalty when Mehdi Taremi fouled Carter-Vickers.
However, VAR ruled it was not a penalty.
Referee Mateu Lahoz blew the final whistle signaling progress for the USMNT and heartache for Iran.
Team USA meets a robust Dutch side who beat hosts Qatar 2-0 in the next round.
Reference:
USMNT advances to World Cup knockout stage with hard-fought victory over Iran
