DOHA-The United States of America (USA) beats Islamic Republic of Iran 1-0 and advances to this World Cup's knockout stage, where it will face the Netherlands on Saturday.
Early attacks from the USA at Al Thumama Stadium. (Photo by Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera). The Americans survived an injury to their star, Christian Pulisic, who netted the game's only goal, and a panicky ending.
Pulisic bundled the ball home at a cacophonous Al Thumama Stadium as the United States stormed into the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday by beating Iran 1-0 in a Group B contest shrouded by decades of enmity between the two nations.
After they dominated the ball for most of the game, Iran finally found its footing on the attack late and gave the U.S. fits.
Pulisic's 38th minute goal proved enough for the Americans to advance at the expense of their geopolitical rivals.
Sergino Dest headed the ball into the path of the sprinting Pulisic, who swept it into the net to momentarily silence the raucous Iranian supporters in front of him but he crashed into the outstretched Alireza Beiranvand in the process.
Pulisic was back on his feet after receiving treatment for a few minutes but did not look comfortable and he was replaced by Brenden Aaronson at the break after sustaining an abdominal injury, in a major blow for the Americans' knockout stage hopes.
The US finished two points behind Group B winners England to reach the last 16 for the fifth time since 1994. Iran finished third with three points, with Wales bottom with one point. (Agencies)