United States survives, advances with 1-0 win over Iran at World Cup

Christian Pulisic of the United States, center, collides with Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, left, after scoring his sides first goal during the World Cup group B soccer match between Iran and the United States at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Christian Pulisic scored in the 38th minute to give the United States a 1-0 lead that they took into halftime. Pulisic suffered an abdominal injury on the play, and made a valiant effort to return to finish the half before being subbed off at halftime.

The U.S. held on defensively, surviving more than one close attempts from Iran, and 9 minutes of stoppage time, before finally securing the victory, 1-0.

The U.S. needed to win the match to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup. A draw or a loss would send the Americans home.

The victory sends the Americans to a Round of 16 showdown with The Netherlands, winners of Group A. That elimination game is on Saturday.