Iran 0-1 USA: USMNT secure second place in Group B
The USA secured qualification for the knockout stages of The World Cup following a crucial 1-0 victory over Iran.
Christian Pulisic’s 38th minute finish was the only goal between the sides, and it will be remembered fondly by American fans for years to come.
The result marks the third time in their last three appearances in the competition the USMNT has qualified for the knockout stages.
It was a dominant first half for the US in which the Iranians relied on scraps from the American’s classy midfield to strike on the counter-attack.
The Iran tactical setup resembled one set up to defend the 0-0 draw, which would have successfully taken them through to their first ever knockout stages of the competition.
Pulisic opened the scoring for the USMNT, bravely heading in a pass squared by full back Sergino Dest. The Chelsea man paid the price for his bravery, colliding with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand after converting the chance.
Pulisic was substituted at half time due to an injury sustained in the clash, failing to run off the injury at the end of the first half.
The second half saw a necessary response from the Iranians. Brentford man Saman Ghoddos was brought on after half time to stimulate an attacking presence, and had Iran’s first chance of the game. However he was unable to find the target with his header.
Ghoddos then had another chance but again failed to hit the target, this time curling one wide after finding space in the American penalty area.
Iran desperately called for a penalty on striker Mehdi Taremi, with Iranian players crowding around referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz. VAR ultimately waved play on and Iran failed to muster another opportunity.
Ultimately it was an Iran team that lacked the killer pass to create sustained attacking pressure, with very few chances created over the 90 minutes. Limited to counter attacking opportunities and set plays, Team Melli failed to truly test Arsenal’s Matt Turner in the American goal.
Pulisic will get the hero-status for his goal, but no player was more important for the US than captain Tyler Adams, who bossed the midfield.
The result secured second place in Group B for the US, and they are rewarded with a tie with The Netherlands in the next round.
