United States vs Iran

It was a do or die match for the United States in their final match of group B. A draw or loss would not be good enough even though the Americans have gone undefeated with two draws, their opponents, Iran had picked three points in a victory against Wales.

Starting XI:

Matt Turner

Tim Ream

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Antonee Robinson

Sergino Dest

Tyler Adams

Weston McKennie

Yunus Musah

Josh Sargent

Christian Pulisic

Timothy Weah

This was the third time these two countries in what was a politically fueled match. It was a very sloppy first half by both teams. If the Americans want to be sharp in the knockout stages, they must improve first touches and of course clinical finishing. The first half the USMNT had many chances down the flanks but could not finish leaving many American fans frustrated.

The moment of magic would arrive in the 38th minute when McKennie would find Dest who crossed it in across goal to find Pulisic who buried it in the back of the net for 1-0. Captain America scored with a price sacrificing his body that left him on the floor for a few minutes. Pulisic would be subbed off at half-time and taken to a local hospital diagnosed with an abdominal contusion. The star player says he will be ready for the knockout stages.

In the second half as expected it was Iran that would turn up the heat. Berhalter made several substitutions that left Americans confused and could've cost them the game. Shaq Moore spent more time lifting his hand up to say my bad than doing good. The USMNT would turn the ball over a lot in the second half leading to Iranian attempts. Walker Zimmerman subbed on in the second half became the strong hold of the defense clearing every ball.

The scariest moment arrived in added time when a ball squared in to the box got through Matt Turner's legs leaving just the ball and a wide open net. The Iranian player chasing the ball had a small tug on the shoulder by Carter-Vickers which Iran would yell in plea for a penalty. The referee and VAR would not give it resulting in the United States earning the 1-0 victory and advancing to the knockout stages.

Next up for the USMNT in Qatar is the round of 16 with a matchup against the Netherlands.

Written by: Daniel Torres

United States vs Iran