The United States has qualified for the round of 16 knockout stage at the World Cup in Qatar. A 1-0 win over Iran earned Gregg Berhalter's team a place among the top 16 teams in the tournament.
A solitary goal by American star Christian Pulisic in the 38th minute put them 2nd in the group and qualified them for the next round. The goal started from the boots of Weston McKennie, who played a fantastic cross to the ever present right-back Sergiño Dest. Dest headed the pass back across the mouth of Beiranvand's goal where Pulisic was able to bundle it across the line. The goal also came at a cost, Pulisic in the process of scoring the goal, collided with the Iranian goal-keeper causing injury and just 7 minutes later had to be substituted for what was later reported to be an abdominal injury.
💥 Pulisic leaves his life for his country!
👊 #USA strikes first vs #IRN#GolMundial pic.twitter.com/VNgpPwsJrz
- Gol Mundial (@Gol) November 29, 2022
The first half was dominated by the United States, who had clear chances that could have increased the score. In the second half, the difference between the two teams narrowed, although control of the game remained on the American side. As the minutes passed, Iran was desperately looking for a goal, but it never came. A solid defensive performance and two saves by Matt Turner prevented a 1-1 draw that would have put the Iranians through.
The Iranian team angrily claimed two penalties - one for a possible handball and the other for an alleged grabbing - which, in the referee's opinion, were not penalties.
Third time's the charm
The USMNT has been superior to its opponents in all three group stage matches. So far, the results have not matched the play of the young U.S. generation, whose future looks promising. On the first day, the victory over Wales slipped away with ten minutes to go. Against England, the United States subdued their opponents but were ineffective in front of goal.
With the 1-0 win, the U.S. qualifies as second in Group B and will face the Netherlands in the round of 16.
England qualifies for round of 16
One of the great favorites to win the World Cup is England. And it did not disappoint. The Three Lions comfortably defeated Wales 3-0 to qualify as group winners.
In the space of eighteen minutes, Marcus Rashford - twice - and Phil Foden put paid to Wales' slim chances of qualifying for the Round of 16.
🚀 What a dive from Rashford!
🕸️ He's ripped the cobwebs out of the corner!#GolMundial pic.twitter.com/Ia4cOkfCoF
- Gol Mundial (@Gol) November 29, 2022
England will face one of the surprises of the World Cup, Senegal, in the round of 16.
With these latest results, Group B is as follows: England (7 points), USA (5), Iran (3) and Wales (1).
Here's how Group B of the #FIFAWorldCup looks!#ENG will face #SEN and #USA will take on #NED in the Round of 16.
- FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_en) November 29, 2022
