The USMNT is out of the woods and on to the next stage of FIFA’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Christian Pulisic scored the winning goal in a headfirst crash into Iran’s goalkeeper in the 38th minute of the match. The 1-0 win takes the American team into the knockout round. 

The goal however did come at great cost for Pulisic. The player laid on the field close to three minutes as he received treatment for his injury from the U.S. medical staff. He managed to reenter the game, but was replaced before the second half started. 

Back in the World Cup after not qualifying for the 2018 tournament, the USMNT started their third match after two consecutive draws against Wales and England. The team needed the win in order to move on to the next round. 

The USMNT finished in second place in Group B, gathering 5 points. The American team will now face the Netherlands next Saturday for a chance to reach the tournament’s quarterfinals. The first time since 2002. 

Forward Tim Weah stated in a press conference that he’s proud of the team’s achievements. He said that no one believes the USMNT could play good football, and that he always says it’s them against the world. 

Iran finished the group stage with three points. This was their sixth appearance in a World Cup tournament and the sixth time the NT failed to advance into the next stage. 

The strained relationship between the U.S. and Iran’s government caused a bit of heightened tension before the match. Iran was also the reason the U.S. was out of the tournament in 1998 after a 2-1 upset in France.  

Back then, Iranians made an effort towards the USMNT, presenting them with flowers before the match, and even posing for a joint photo. This time, however, pregame protocols were standard. 

The USMNT held possession of the ball for most of the first half and outshot Iran 9 times. But the team didn’t break through until Christian Pulisic scored close to half time, giving the U.S. fans a breath of relief. 

With mighty assistance by Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest, Pulisic charged up the midfield past Iranian players Ramin Rezaeian and Majid Hosseiniand. He then turned his body and hit the ball with his right foot and scored his first World Cup goal. 

However, the momentum carried him into the goal, crashing into Alireza Beinravand – the Iranian goalkeeper. Pulisic needed medic assistance and was taken off the field before going back in for the remainder of the first half. 

Brenden Aaronson then replaced Pulisic before the second half started. Timothy Weah, responsible for scoring in the opening draw against Wales, almost cemented the lead with a second goal. But the electronic VAR ruled it as an offside. 

Since the USMNT is advancing to the next stage, you won’t want to miss the next match against the Netherlands. If you’re not watching now but would like to in the future, we can help.

Follow the link below to learn how you can watch the next FIFA 2022 World Cup matches.