Three Talking Points | Iran 0-1 USA | OneFootball

The United States sealed a spot for themselves in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup, following their close 1-0 win over Iran.

This is the first time since 2014 that the US have qualified from the group stages, as they didn’t qualify for the 2018 edition of the tournament. But they have been rather regular entrants in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Tyler Adams has been one of the best players of the tournament

Leeds United’s Tyler Adams had another excellent game today, as the midfielder won six ground duels, won a single aerial duel and he even won three tackles. He sparkled against England and against Wales earlier in the tournament and today was another impressive performance.

Christian Pulisic fires when it was needed

Pulisic has been a much-hailed figure in the United States for his contributions to the national team and it was his goal that defined the nation’s progress into the next round. He also had a pretty good game and he had also done well in the game against England.

Iran show spirit but fall short

Throughout the tournament, one thing that Iran never lacked was the spirit to keep going. From their expression of off-field movements and their on-pitch hunger, they gave their all. Even against the US, they could have equalised and had a genuine penalty shout at the end of the tie. For a team that has an average age which is close to 30, a transition period probably awaits but Iran have already made a mark in the tournament.

GWFN