Cristian Pulisic scored the only goal of the game to help the USA produce one of the narrow World Cup scores of the weekend action. The USA enjoyed the pressure of the qualification shootout, playing with great vigour and attacking purpose as Pulisic tucked home the game-winning goal in 38 minutes. The courageous action by the Chelsea player resulted in a hip injury, preventing him from playing in the second half. The US national team later said that he had been transported to the hospital with a “pelvic contusion.”
The USA had to get going because they had no idea if anything other than a victory would qualify them. A barnstorming first half from the USA was set off by Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson, who was acting more like wingers than full-backs. The major beneficiary of the energetic USA raids was Timothy Weah, but he lacked poise in crucial situations, first swinging a hurried header from 12 yards straight at Alireza Beiranvand and then rushing a finish after some outstanding play from the vivacious Josh Sargent. It seemed inevitable that Pulisic would score the game’s first goal and contribute to his nation.
Dest, who was in the six-yard box, nodded down for Pulisic after receiving a blasted pass from Weston McKennie. He exerted enough energy to force the ball in, but in the process, he clashed with Beiranvand and was substituted at halftime due to a hip injury. After the half, Iran had no choice but to attack, and Saman Ghoddos signaled their intent by driving into the back post from a right-wing cross, but he missed the target. Iran had plenty of opportunities to test USA goalkeeper Matt Turner, but they were unsuccessful. Morteza Pouraliganji had the finest opportunity, but he sent a free-kick agonizingly over the goal post.
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