Follow usChelsea striker Christian Pulisic Iran scored seven minutes before half-time as the United States beat Iran 1-0 on Tuesday in an entertaining Group B decider to storm into the last 16 of the World Cup.
USA are through to the knockouts! 🇺🇸@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022
Needing a win to reach the knockout stages, the Americans were relentless in attack in a high-tempo game and broke the deadlock when Sergino Dest’s precise header found Pulisic, who collided with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvandas he bundled the ball in and was too injured to celebrate.
The Iranians came close after the interval – Brentford’s Saman Ghoddos came off the bench to strike inches over the bar when he was unmarked in the box, before Saeid Ezatolahi also curled over.
Their golden opportunity perhaps came deep in stoppage time, when Morteza Pouraliganji met a free-kick with a diving header that went just wide.
There was still time for controversy as Mehdi Taremi appealed for a penalty as he went down with Cameron Carter-Vickers trying to stop him, but their appeals were rejected.
England, who defeated Wales 3-0 on Tuesday night finished top in Group B with 7 points, followed by the United States on five.
Your final Group B standings 👀 @USMNT join @England in the knockout stages 🇺🇸 🏴
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022
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