FIFA World Cup 2022 – US to face Netherlands in the round of 16

The USMNT beat Iran 1-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar to advance to the round of 16.

How the US attack unfolded

The US team was off to a confident start against Iran in a must-win match. The USMNT held possession of the ball for the better part of the game and kept up the attack throughout.

US midfielder Yunus Musah missed a shot in the 8th minute. Soon after, forward Christian Pulisic attempted a goal with a header in the 10th minute but was blocked by Iranian Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Forward Tim Weah, who scored the opening goal for the US against Wales, missed a couple of shots in the 27th and 32nd minutes.

And there it is!

US-first-goal-against-Iran-in-FIFA-world-cup
© FIFA World Cup

Around the 38th minute, Sergino Dest headed the ball to Christian Pulisic, who scored a goal from a close range putting the US in the lead.

But the close-range goal also resulted in a collision with the Iranian goalkeeper, and Pulisic appeared hurt. Brenden Aaronson came in as a substitute for Christian Pulisic after halftime.

The USMNT continued its dominance in the second half.

Iran’s Mehdi Taremi and Saeid Ezatolahi attempted shots but missed.

Haji Wright came in for forward Josh Sargent, who sustained a knee injury. Injuries and substitutions added up to the stoppage time, which turned out to be nine minutes. Iran could not break through the US defense.

The United States is through to the round of 16 and will face the Netherlands in the knockout stage.

The US had tied both Wales and England in its earlier group-stage matches.