Pulisic propels the USA to victory against Iran: Christian Pulisic’s first-half goal gave the Americans the victory they needed to advance after drawing their first two games
Greg Berhalter’s team finished second in Group B with five points and just one goal conceded a late Gareth Bale penalty in the first game.
Throughout this tournament, the United States has been a model of defensive stability and intense high-pressing, which they continued against Iran.
Timothy Weah blew the game’s first genuine chance by shooting over, signaling the Americans’ resolve to win.
Iran did advance, but Mehdi Taremi just paused at the sight of the goal, giving the US time to recover.
The USA’s pressure paid off in the 38th minute, when McKennie’s cross-field ball found Sergino Dest, who headed accurately back across goal for Pulisic to score.
Christian Pulisic scored the sole goal for the United States, who advanced to the round of 16 in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup at the expense of Iran.
After colliding violently with goalie Ireza Beiranvand, the Chelsea winger was substituted at halftime by Brenden Aaronson after failing to finish the first half.
After scoring against Iran in the World Cup, Christian Pulisic collapses on the ground.
Iran improved in the second half, realizing that defeat meant elimination and that a draw would keep them alive, but they finally failed to produce clear-cut chances, and the US effectively maintained their advantage.
As a consequence, the United States finished second in Group B with five points, trailing England, which won the group with seven.
The United States has advanced to the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they will meet the Netherlands.
