Image source: CBS Sport
The USMNT (United States Men’s National Team) finished their group matches with a win over Iran at the World Cup in Qatar.
After a draw in the first two games, the team needed a win to progress to the next stage.
However, the USMNT managed to break through, thanks to a Christian Pulisic goal.
Summary
The game against Iran put pressure on Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Despite past failures, the team has more than made up for it after three games.
While the first two games were problematic, as Team USA dropped four points, the USMNT managed to move on to the next phase.
Christian Pulisic scored in the first half and gave Iran a mountain to climb.
When the final whistle sounded, the USMNT reached the knockout stages for the first time since the 2014 World Cup.
However, Berhalter and the young Americans were concerned after star player Pulisic suffered an abdominal injury while scoring the game-winning goal.
Read also: USMNT draws with Wales after Zimmerman blunder
Lineups
In a must-win match, Gregg Berhalter fielded a strong eleven against Iran.
The team consisted of the following:
- 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 fielded a solid team to give the US side a hard time.
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 ends first World Cup match in a loss to Ecuador
The match
The confrontation between the USMNT and Iran was always going to be intense.
It was also their first meeting on the football field
During the match, Gregg Berhalter’s team showed determination.
At the start, the USMNT had 65% possession.
However, Team USA’s first chance came around half an hour.
The Iranian keeper quickly caught an attempt by Tim Weah, but that only prompted the USMNT to do better.
Finally, Christian Pulisic broke the deadlock by clashing with Beiranvand.
“Captain America” had to be helped off the field by two medics.
Even as he returned to the game, Pulisic was clearly struggling.
Early in the second half, Iran made every effort to slow down the United States.
Substitute Saman Ghoddos had two chances to level the field, but Matt Turner remained unmoved.
Iran called for a penalty when Mehdi Taremi pressed Carter-Vickers.
However, the VAR ruled that it was not a penalty.
Referee Mateu Lahoz blew the final whistle signaling progress for the USMNT and heartbreak for Iran.
The American team will face a solid Dutch team that swept away hosts Qatar in a 2-0 win.
Reference:
USMNT advances to World Cup knockout stage with hard-fought victory over Iran
