The United States men’s national team punched a ticket for the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup by beating Iran 1-0 in their final group match on Tuesday. Gregg Berhalter’s team has picked up five points from three matches, which was enough to finish second in Group B behind England.
USMNT entered the match against Iran, needing a win to advance to the Round of 16. Iran, on the other hand, needed only a draw, and it showed in their game. They were happy to sit back, absorb the pressure, and hope they don’t concede.
Iran’s game plan was spoiled by Christian Pulisic, who scored the game-winner in the 38th minute. Weston McKennie crossed the ball into the penalty box, where Sergino Dest headed the ball to Pulisic and allowed the Chelsea star to break the deadlock.
Iran started getting more aggressive after falling behind but lacked vision in front of Matt Turner’s goal to make their efforts count. USMNT didn’t cave under pressure and kept their goal intact for an impressive end of the group stage.
“In the first half, we showed what we can do, soccer wise,” Berhalter said after the game. “We had a really good first half. Second half we showed what we could do determination wise … The guys grinded, gave every single ounce, and we are undefeated going into the next round.”
USMNT will now play the Netherlands, winners of Group A, in the Round of 16. The two sides will meet at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
