ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
The United States beat Iran 1-0 at Tuesday’s World Cup match. The win means the American side will advance to the knockout round, where it will play the Netherlands.
https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1597698381203525633?s=20&t=pPWYyIJwxzIClwZjRiWF6Q
The United States Held the Defense
Iran lacked real scoring opportunities throughout the match. The United States put on a master-class defensively, allowing four total shots from the Iranian side. Only one of these shots was on target. The United States, meanwhile, had 12 total shots, five of which were on target.
The match’s lone goal came in the 38th minute. USMNT captain Tyler Adams received the ball at midfield and shot it over the top to Sergiño Dest. Dest crossed the ball in to Christian Pulisic, who guided it in.
https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1597676821625163776?s=20&t=pPWYyIJwxzIClwZjRiWF6Q
Iranian keeper Alireza Beinranvand clobbered into Pulisic during the goal, injuring the left-winger. Pulisic went to the ground for several minutes before being helped off by training staff. Pulisic would return to the field to finish the first half. Brendan Aaronson replaced the forward at halftime.
“No update on [Pulisic’s] status,” said coach Gregg Berhalter after the match. Later, Pulisic himself did confirm via Snapchat he would be available for Saturday’s knockout round match.
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1597713577657376774?s=20&t=pPWYyIJwxzIClwZjRiWF6Q
More Injured
Several other United States players were injured in the match, including striker Josh Sargent. In an attempt to avoid a challenge, Sargent jumped over Iranian defender Majid Hosseini. The striker landed on the ball awkwardly and crumbled to the ground. The severity of Sargent’s injury is unknown.
The match grew intense toward the end, as Iran made a late push to score. In the 98th minute, a ball was played over the top to Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi. It, however, got snuck between Matt Turner’s legs, but Antonee Robinson was able to clear the danger.
During the chance, Taremi went down inside the American box and Iranian players pled for a penalty. After a brief review, referee Antonio Lahoz ruled Taremi went down too easily, so play continued. The United States maintained momentum the rest of the way, hanging on for the 1-0 victory.
What’s Next?
Following the group stage, the United States finishes with four points from their three matches, good enough for second place in the group. The USMNT will face the Netherlands on Saturday in the knockout round. Once again, loser goes home.
