DOHA, Qatar — With a loss or draw enough to send them home, the U.S. men’s national team secured a vital 1-0 win over to Iran on Tuesday to finish second in Group B and advance to the knockout rounds of the 2022 World Cup.
Christian Pulisic scored the game’s only goal in the 38th minute, finishing from close range. Pulisic suffered what looked to be a lower abdominal injury on the play, and had to be substituted at halftime, and the U.S. rarely looked as fluid in attack again.
The U.S. was made to suffer in the game’s latter stages, but ultimately did enough to secure a win that sees the Americans reach the knockout stages for the fourth time in the last five World Cups in which the USA has qualified.
JUMP TO: Player ratings | Best/worst performers | Highlights and notable moments | Post-match quotes | Key stats | Upcoming fixtures
Rapid reaction
1. Pulisic the hero, but pays a price as Americans advance to knockouts
Pulisic hasn’t always looked comfortable being the face of this U.S. team, and despite setting up Tim Weah‘s goal in the opener against Wales, his play had blown hot-and-cold in this World Cup. His execution during transition opportunities hasn’t been good enough, and his set pieces oftentimes failed to clear the first man.
Tuesday’s match looked to be more of the same in the early going, as the U.S. struggled to break down Iran‘s defensive wall. But no one could question Pulisic’s commitment or bravery in putting the U.S. on top in the 38th minute. Weston McKennie pinged a ball to Sergiño Dest on the right wing, and Dest threaded the ball across goal to the on-rushing Pulisic to convert from close range.
Pulisic paid a price for the tally, colliding with Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand, and suffering a injury that left him wincing in pain. The gamely carried on for the rest of the half, but eventually had to be substituted, with Brenden Aaronson coming on.
