In the first half, the USA operated one-way street football. As a result, Pulisic gave the Americans a well-deserved advantage. The second period was more balanced, but Iran hardly found dangerous actions. In the end, the US victory was absolutely fine. In the Group B side game, England secured the group victory with a comfortable 3–0 victory over Wales.
The coach of Iran, Carlos Queiroz, changed the starting lineup only in the goalkeeper position. Aliresa Beiranwand returned after suffering a concussion. US coach Gregg Berhalter made two changes following their 0-0 draw with England. Cameron Carter-Vickers started at center back in place of Walker Zimmerman, while Josh Sargent was preferred over Haji Wright at center back.
US stamps rise up against Iran
The USA fights against Iran for passage of the round of 16. Thanks to Christian Pulisic’s golden goal, the Americans won 1-0 and expelled the Iranians from the tournament.
The atmosphere at the politically explosive World Cup game remained peaceful before and during the game. Fans on both sides greeted each other in a friendly manner. Iranian players also returned to sing along with the anthem, which did not happen in the first group stage match due to political protests at home.
USA dominate first half
The Americans dominated the first half. At first, however, they were unable to capitalize on their on-field superiority. After a well-timed midfield cross, Pulisic didn’t press hard enough with his header (11′). Shortly afterwards, the Iranian goalkeeper Beiranwand cut in a well-aimed cross by Sergino Dest (17′).
World Cup Group B
table and results
As a result, the US continued to set the tone, although it was a while before the next dangerous move. Timothy Weah punched the ball over the goal from nine yards (33′). In the 38th minute, the clear superiority of the Americans resulted in the deserved advantage. Dest headed past Pulisic in the penalty area, who pushed the ball over the line from close range. The scorer collided with Beiranwand in this action, but managed to continue playing after a short treatment – but only until half-time.
Weah’s goal disallowed for offside
Iran disappointed in all respects in the first half. Many missed passes, almost no successful combinations and no shots on goal were recorded. Just before the break things could have got even worse for the “Melli” team, a Weah goal didn’t count due to a narrow offside position (45’+6′).
Offside goal scored by Weah (45+7′)
Timothy Weah is denied a goal in the first half of the game. His goal was disallowed for offside.
At half-time, goalscorer Pulisic, who injured his stomach in the collision and was examined in hospital after the match, was replaced by former Salzburg player Brenden Aaronson. Iran also changed and brought forward Saman Ghoddos. He also found his team’s first dangerous move of the game, as he headed over the goal from close range (52′). Iran improved significantly in the second half of the game, but there were few clear scoring chances.
Iran throws everything forward
The US no longer seemed as active and lively, but it acted defensively very smartly and did not allow too much. A shot by Saeid Esatolahi gave Iran one of those rare finishes, which went clearly over the net (70′). In addition, Iran played everything forward. Mortesa Puraligandschi’s header missed the goal (93′). Shortly before the end, Iran asked for a penalty, but the referee’s whistle remained silent.
Comments about the game:
Gregg Berhalter (Team USA Director): “The boys did well. In the end we were very tired and had some problems. That’s why the opponent won many second balls. However, we can be very satisfied and we shouldn’t be afraid of any opponents.”
Carlos Queiroz (Iran national team manager): “The USA were superior in the first half, after the break we were better. We needed a goal, but unfortunately that dream is now over.”
FIFA World Cup 2022, Group B, Matchday Three
Tuesday:
Iran 0-1 USA (0-1)
Doha, Al Thumama Stadium, 42,127 spectators, SR Mateu (ESP)
Goal: Pulisic (38′)
Will: Beiranwand – Resaeian, Puraliganji, M. Hosseini, Mohammadi (45th + 3rd Karimi) – Nurollahi (71st / Torabi), Esatolahi, Hajsafi (72nd / Jalali), Chalilzadeh (77th / Ansarifard) – Asmun (46th / Ghoddos), Taremi
UNITED STATES: Turner – Dest (82 / Moore), Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson – McKennie (65 / Acosta), Adams, Musah – Weah (82 / Zimmerman), Sargent (77 / Wright), Pulisic (46. /Aaronson)
Yellow cards: Hosseini, Kanaanisadegan (substitute), Jalali and Adams respectively
Best: M. Hosseini or McKennie, Dest