The United States defeated Iran, coached by Carlos Queiroz, 1-0, guaranteeing qualification for the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup. It was a long-awaited match, after all, they faced two hostile countries, something that it was very clear in some episodes those days before appeared as incendiary statements by Carlos Queiroz, annoyed by the political questions put to his players during the press conferences, as well as by the Iranian complaints that the Americans lost their flag.
But on the field, football triumphed. Incidentally, just like 24 years ago, at the 1998 World Cup, when the tension gave way to a game where cordiality prevailed, won by the Iranians 2-1. This time the sportsmanship was maintained, with players shaking hands after harder tackles.
EXCELLENT GAME FROM THE UNITED STATES! 0-1
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The Americans were stronger from the start of the game against an Iranian team that was very tight in their midfield, looking for the blue and white Mehdi Taremi in the attack, something he never managed to do in the first half, after all he failed in to shoot. The United States took the lead in the 38th minute, thanks to Christian Pulisic who made the most of Sergiño Dest’s cross. The goal was much celebrated, but not by those who scored it, after all, the Chelsea player was injured in the bid after the collision with the goalkeeper and resisted on the pitch until half-time, when he was replaced by Brenden Aaronson.
In the second half, Queiroz changed the strategy, after all, only the victory was enough to achieve the historic qualification for the round of 16. Iran were a more daring selection and even applied great pressure in the closing moments, but it wasn’t until the final move of the match that they came close to scoring, but Taremi could not deflect towards the goal and claimed a penalty.
The United States now plays against the Netherlands in the Round of 16.
SEE GAME STATISTICS
Source: DN
