With the eyes and pressure of needing all three points to advance, the U.S. Men's National Team delivered on the biggest stage with a 1-0 victory over Iran to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Facing a must-win situation, Head Coach Gregg Berhalter made two changes to the Starting XI against Iran to start the youngest group (average age of 24 years, 321 days) at the 2022 FIFA World Cup thus far. Norwich City striker Josh Sargent returned after starting in the USMNT’s opening match, while Celtic center back Cameron Carter-Vickers anchored the Stars and Stripes defense in place of Walker Zimmermann.
The opening half saw the United States control the tempo and possession as Iran sought to keep the American chances from out on the flanks. Outside backs Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson were into the attack early and often as a result as they sought to pick out a navy shirt for the crucial opening goal. That came in the 38th minute as Dest timed a run into the box to be on the receiving end of a Weston McKennie volley over the defense that had the defense opened up. Seeing the goal line run by Hershey, PA., native Christian Pulisic, Dest headed it centrally for the finish from Pulisic. The U.S. nearly had a two-goal lead going into the break as Tim Weah break in on goal and snuck the ball under the keeper but the assistant referee raised his flag to call it back and see a 1-0 scoreline at the break.
Former Philadelphia Union homegrown Brenden Aaronson came on during the halftime break in place of Pulisic who suffered an abdominal injury on the goal and showcased his sweet moves on the ball as he pushed for an insurance goal. With a one-goal lead, the U.S. faced every single punch that Iran could muster as a goal would see the country through. In the dying moments a possible penalty It wouldn't be though as the U.S. battled to the final whistle to see out the result and continue their stay in the world's biggest tournament.
With the win, the U.S. finish as Group B's second-place team and will face off against Group A winners' the Netherlands on Saturday, December 3rd at Khalifa International Stadium. Kick off is set for 10 a.m. ET on both FOX and Telemundo.
