Christian Pulisic scored the only goal of a tense group stage match against Iran to book a place in the second round and a last-16 clash with the Netherlands. In a match where Iran would have been happy even with a point, they’ve done next to nothing, while Americans deserved their win and the second position in Group B. They qualify alongside England, who thrashed Wales in the meantime.After the heroic display the Iranians put in their previous match against Wales, their showing on Tuesday night was a disappointment. But credit must be given to the 2026 World Cup hosts, who kept their eyes on their goal and produced a professional display.Fans are ready to watch today’s match between #Iran and the #US that will determine who will qualify from Group B in the #WorldCup.#USAvIRN #Worlds2022 pic.twitter.com/h850fvhagb— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 29, 2022 When the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America last met in a World Cup, the tensions were high. The relations between the two countries were poor. The USA accused Iran of nurturing terrorism, and the Iranians couldn’t forget the Americans for interfering with their internal matters. The people of Iran viewed their match in France as a battle for pride against the oppressor. Even though everyone connected to the match in Lyon, France was nervous, the match began with Iranian players gifting the Americans bouquets of white flowers – as a token of peace. Also, both sets of players all embraced to have their team photos taken together. Some 24 years later, the tokens of peace and respect were few.In 1998, Iran beat USA 2-1. This time, the outcome was different (©AFP)Widespread anti-government protests in Iran marked the days leading up to the rematch on Tuesday night. Also, the US football association removed the emblem of the Islamic Republican from the flag it posted in graphics posted on social media. The pictures were later deleted, and US manager Gregg Berhalter apologised, saying that he and the US team were only focused on football. The conditions were far from ideal. And unlike the 1998 match, when both teams were already eliminated going into their match, this time it was a battle for a place in the second round.Christian Pulisic laid his nuts on the line for the country. Hero. pic.twitter.com/DFAft7JLgU— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) November 29, 2022 On the pitch at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, it was obvious that the Americans needed to win. While the Iranian would be happy to play out a draw and qualify for the second round by finishing second, Berhalter’s players knew that only a victory would see them through.Iran haven’t got a shot in the first half while the USA pushed forward steadily. And their efforts were rewarded with a deserved lead after 38 minutes of play.Kansas City went WILD for Christian Pulisic’s goal 🍾(via @SportingKC) pic.twitter.com/MdsIkkGHR9— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 29, 2022 Sergino Dest ran onto a ball on the right-hand side of Iranian’s box and headed it expertly onto the six-yard box, where Christian Pulisic was ready to poke it past Alireza Beyranvand. The Chelsea midfielder had a coming together with the goalkeeper and was left in the goalmouth in pain while his teammates were celebrating the goal.Iran were lucky to go in at half time being just a goal behind. Tim Weah escaped all markers and finished past Beyranvand, but he was fractionally offside.Porto marksman Mehdi Taremi had a chance ren minutes from time, but he handballed when receiving the ball. Just to be safe, Matt Turner held the ball firmly as desperation gripped Carlos Queiroz’s team.Tuesday, Nov 29thEcuador – Senegal 1-0 (0-1)/Caicedo 67 – Sarr 44 pen, Koulibaly 70/Netherlands – Qatar 2-0 (1-0)/Gakpo 26, De Jong 49/Iran – USA 0-1 (0-1)/Pulisic 38/Wales – England 0-3 (0-0)/Rashford 50, 68, Foden 52/Wednesday, Nov 30th18:00: (10.0) Tunisia (5.00) France (1.33) D18:00: (7.00) Australia (3.60) Denmark (1.58) D22:00: (5.20) Poland (3.70) Argentina (1.70) C22:00: (5.70) Saudi Arabia (3.80) Mexico (1.63) CThursday, Dec 1st18:00: (3.80) Croatia (3.45) Belgium (2.00) F18:00: (3.45) Canada (3.15) Morocco (2.25) F22:00: (8.50) Japan (4.80) Spain (1.37) E22:00: (12.0) Costa Rica (6.50) Germany (1.23) EFriday, Dec 2nd18:00: (8.00) S.Korea (4.50) Portugal (1.42) H18:00: (4.80) Ghana (3.45) Uruguay (1.80) H22:00: (11.0) Cameroon (5.20) Brazil (1.30) G22:00: (2.60) Serbia (3.40) Switzerland (2.70) G***odds are subject to change***
