Christian Pulisic has become the hero for USA once more, as his goal was enough to see off Iran in a 1-0 victory and book their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The USMNT dominated what was a tense encounter, as both sides knew that qualification was at stake, but it was the United States that struck first as Pulisic bundled in Sergino Dest’s headed pass. Iran barely entered the USA area during the first half, and lacked ambition.
Iran did press in the second half, but USA’s defence held strong and they claimed three points while breaking their opponents hearts in the process. USA will now face Netherlands in the round of 16, and here Mirror Football discuss the main talking points from their final group match.
Berhalter’s gamble pays off
USMNT fans were shocked to see that both Giovani Reyna and Brenden Aaronson had once again been snubbed from the starting line-up, but head coach Gregg Berhalter stuck with the trio that started their first match. Berhalter reverted back to the system that started the 1-1 draw with Wales, with defender Walker Zimmerman the only omission.
And like clockwork they matched their first half performance against the Welsh, as Pulisic’s goal came just 90 seconds later than Timothy Weah’s strike did in the opening game. They dominated the opening 45 minutes against Wales, and they swarmed Iran too, who barely got a kick until later on.
Aaronson did get on for the second half, but only after Pulisic picked up an injury before the break. It’s taken a lot of nerve for Berhalter to ignore calls from elsewhere to bring in the two stars for the start of the match, but his faith has paid off as USA have made it through the group.
Pulisic’s Chelsea message
Pulisic’s evening may have ended in disappointment as he hobbled into the dressing room at half-time, but he once again sent a message to his domestic employers after a lively performance. Pulisic broke the deadlock for the USMNT at a crucial stage, and he’s been at the centre of everything so far this tournament.
An assist for Timothy Weah’s strike in the first game, and a powerful effort that hit the crossbar against England in the second, all before getting his long-awaited World Cup goal in the third. USA fans are well aware that Pulisic is their main man, but he’s sent another message to Chelsea too.
Pulisic is still only 24, and yet to really burst into life at Chelsea, although opportunities haven’t always been there. There has been a lot of talk over his future at the club, but surely Graham Potter has to give him a real chance.
Fearlessness in youth
The USMNT named one of the youngest sides seen in recent World Cup history, with only goalkeeper Matt Turner and defender Tim Ream disrupting the average. 20-year-old Yunus Musah dominated in midfield once more, while 22-year-old Weah was lovely once again.
USA remain unbeaten in this tournament, and their confidence is brimming despite a lack of experience. But due to their youth, that’s no surprise, and even USMNT legend Clint Dempsey thought they’d be fine as he claimed before the tournament they had ‘nothing to lose’.
“Looking back, when I was 23 playing in my first World Cup, a lot of these guys are 23, 24, 25 years old. I think sometimes that helps you,” Dempsey said. “You go into the game with no fear, there’s nothing to lose because you don’t know what it’s like playing in a World Cup.”
Dest proves his worth
It feels like Sergino Dest has been around for ages, but no, the right-back is still only 22. He’s already played for Ajax, Barcelona and AC Milan, not to mention representing his country at the World Cup now.
After a breakthrough year at Ajax, he was bought by Barcelona for £20million – and they slapped a buyout clause of £345m on him as part of his five-year deal. But he’s already been loaned to Milan, with an option to buy for what Barcelona paid for him, and they may be considering it now.
Dest was once again one of USA’s most lively stars, and it was his header that set up Pulisic for the crucial goal that sent them on their way to the knockout stages. Hype is surrounding Dest again, and perhaps Barcelona may be regretting their decision.
