The United States won 1-0 over Iran in a crucial match to move to the knockout round of the 2022 World Cup, and it was tight, nerve-wracking, and heartbreaking at times for American supporters.
Christian Pulisic, who scored in the 38th minute and suffered an injury in the process, provided the biggest moment of his USMNT career in order to progress with just a win. The American player risked injury to advance the United States, taking a knee to the stomach from Iran goalie Alireza Beiranvand in the process.
At halftime, Pulisic was changed, and the United States clung on for dear life the rest of the way as Iran threw numbers forward as the clock wound down.
Even though there were nine extra minutes at the end of regulation time, Iran was unable to score the crucial goal.
With the victory, the United States has the opportunity to compete in the Round of 16, where they will play the Group A champions Netherlands on Saturday. The USA’s minimal objective was to go past the group stage, and with this valiant victory, they have succeeded.
There are still a lot of unanswered issues regarding the U.S. attack, which scored just two goals in the three group-stage games, but their defense was outstanding as they allowed just one goal and none from open play.
The Sporting News followed USA vs. Iran in the 2022 World Cup live scoring updates and highlights. The full results from the Group B game in Qatar are listed below.
USA vs Iran final score
1H | 2H | Final | |
USA | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Iran | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goals: USA — Christian Pulisic (38 mins)
Confirmed lineups:
Iran (4-4-2, right to left):
1. Beiranvand (GK) — 23. Rezaeian, 19. Hosseini, 8. Pouraliganji, 5. Mohammadi (Karimi, 45′) — 17. Gholizadeh, 21. Nourollahi (Torabi, 71′), 6. Ezatolahi, 3. Safi (Jalali, 71′) — 20. Azmoun (Ghoddos, 46′), 9. Taremi.
USA (4-3-3, right to left):
1. Turner (GK) — 2. Dest (Moore, 82′), 20. Carter-Vickers, 13. Ream, 5. Robinson — 8. McKennie, 4. Adams, 6. Musah — 21. Weah (Zimmerman, 82′), 24. Sargent (Wright, 77′), 10. Pulisic (Aaronson, 46′).
FINAL Group B standings, scores