Friday’s game against England was one that fans, journalists and network executives marked on their calendars.
The two countries shared so much history, and it was the day after Thanksgiving. Consequently, it was destined to dominate the headlines. Unfortunately, once the first whistle was blown, neither side produced much to admire. A goalless draw saw England go to four points and stay top of the group. Meanwhile, the United States is stuck at two points.
While the English press collapsed on their third unsuccessful attempt to beat the USA at a World Cup, the reaction from the Americans was the complete opposite. The American media celebrated a result that left the team in third place as a great victory. This draw, coupled with Iran’s 2-0 win over Wales, leaves everything on the table in Group B.
All four teams can advance. In addition, all four teams can be lost. It sets up a big day on Tuesday when the USMNT takes on Iran in a win-and-enter scenario.
The United States once again was left wanting more
The result of Friday’s game left the US looking out. However, it should be noted that they were the better team for much of the match. Berhalter’s team defended well and frustrated an attack by England who defeated Iran in their opening match, scoring six goals. Christian Pulisic had the best chance of the entire match with his shot off the crossbar in the first half. At the end of the day, neither side found the back of the net.
Scoring goals is a big deal for the United States under Gregg Berhalter. His team have failed to score in seven of 14 games in 2022. Another scoreless performance against Iran is simply not an option. Anything short of a victory over Iran sends the United States home from Qatar early.
A preview of Iran for the US
Iran’s form going into this World Cup was not bad at all. A successful qualifying campaign yielded 25 points out of a possible 30. The next four friendlies before the World Cup led to wins over Uruguay and Nicaragua, a draw against Senegal, and a loss to Algeria.
Iran caused a stir by sacking Dragan Skocic, the team’s qualifying coach, just two months before the tournament. In his place, Carlos Queiroz returned. Queiroz coached Iran at the World Cup in both 2014 and 2018.
The players themselves caused a stir by refusing to sing the national anthem in the first game. This was in solidarity with the Mahsa Amini protests taking place in Tehran.
Their World Cup roster is one of the most experienced rosters out there. Only three of the 26 players have single-digit limits. The man to watch for the Iranians is Mehdi Taremi. The Porto striker has 30 goals in 62 games internationally. Furthermore, he has half of Iran’s four goals in this World Cup.
US Soccer sparks additional political tensions
In a match already tinged with so much geopolitical tension, it’s also worth arguing that US Soccer unnecessarily made things much more difficult for the USMNT. In doing so, he gave the Iranians the proverbial “bulletin board material.” The United States removed the symbol from the center of the Iranian flag without American players or coaches or even the American government knowing of the decision. US Soccer claims this was a statement about their support for women’s rights. However, it unleashed such a firestorm that they removed all the graphics in question. If anything, the USMNT social accounts tried to proceed as if nothing had happened while anticipating the US’s final group stage match against Iran.
That did little to quell Iranian anger. The result was a series of tense press conferences. Iranian media accused US Soccer media manager Michael Kammarman of not calling them. Then, on Monday, he questioned Gregg Berhalter about why he didn’t ask the US government to order the US Navy to remove the ships from the waters around Iran.
This is not related to the actual game. However, that is the situation US Soccer put itself in with poor decision making.
notes for the game
In a preview of the US vs. Iran game, it is worth mentioning that the US has never defeated Iran. In two meetings, the United States lost once and tied once. That tie was in a friendly in 2000 at the Rose Bowl. Much more significantly, that loss came at the 1998 World Cup in France.
Gregg Berhalter will have to find a way to get a great result to get the team’s first win against Iran. However, the American had his struggles outside of the United States. Berhalter’s record for games played outside the country is just five wins, six losses and eight draws, including the England tie.
The United States must win to advance. The result of the other game, England vs. Wales, is of no importance to the United States. Iran is not necessarily assured of a draw. If Wales win and Iran draw with the United States, both England and Wales advance to the knockout stage.
Group B Standings England (4pts, +4 GD)Iran (3pts, -2 GD)USA USA (2pts, 0 GD) Wales (1pts, -2 GD) When, where to watch on TV Tuesday, November 29, 2022Al Thumama StadiumDoha, Qatar2pm ETFOX, Telemundo
PHOTO: IMAGO / Action Plus
