2022 World Cup Odds: USA Opens as Betting Underdog vs. Netherlands in Round of 16
Nov 29, 2022
United States' Yunus Musah, right, Aaron Long, center, and United States' goalkeeper Sean Johnson celebrate after defeating Iran in 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/Ashley Landis)
Never tell us the odds.
Well, except when it comes to betting. And the United States—fresh off beating Iran 1-0 on Tuesday and advancing to the World Cup round of 16—has opened as underdogs against the Netherlands:
No surprises there—the Netherlands won Group A, beating both Senegal and Qatar by 2-0 scorelines and drawing with Ecuador 1-1. The young Americans, meanwhile, beat Iran and drew with Wales (1-1) and England (0-0).
Young Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo will be a focal point for the United States defense. He's tied atop the World Cup Golden Boot chase on three goals with France's Kylian Mbappé, England's Marcus Rashford and Ecuador's Enner Valencia.
It will be an uphill battle in general. But holding an English team that outscored Wales and Iran 9-2 in its other two Group B games to a scoreless draw will give the Americans confidence that they can stymie a dangerous Dutch side too.
Christian Pulisic, USA's Tense 1-0 Win to Advance at World Cup Leaves Fans Exhausted
Nov 29, 2022
United States' Weston McKennie (8) and Tim Ream (13) celebrate after teammate Christian Pulisic scored a 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/Ashley Landis)
The United States men's national team advanced to the round of 16 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Iran on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar.
The stakes were pretty straightforward for the USMNT. With two draws to open the tournament, it needed to beat Iran to move on.
When the United States faced the same situation in 2010, fans had to wait until the 91st minute before Landon Donovan scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Algeria. This time around, the U.S. didn't leave it until late.
Christian Pulisic put his team ahead in the 38th minute.
The Chelsea star was subbed off at halftime because of an abdominal injury he suffered while scoring the goal. He made his 45 minutes on the pitch count.
Sacrificing the crown jewels for a massive goal in the World Cup… that’s dedication @cpulisic_10
CHRISTIAN PULISIC IS A GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTIAN PULISIC IS A GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTIAN PULISIC IS A GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTIAN PULISIC IS A GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTIAN PULISIC IS A GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTIAN PULISIC IS A GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTIAN PULISIC IS A GREAT AMERICAN
The United States was unable to add to its advantage, which created an increasingly nervy mood for those watching the match unfold. Coach Gregg Berhalter's pragmatic style meant Iran would have plenty of time on the ball to find an equalizer as well.
By finishing second in Group B, the USMNT will meet the Netherlands in the first knockout round. The Dutch won Group A after beating Senegal and Qatar and drawing with Ecuador.
The Netherlands is the best country to have never the World Cup, having reached the final in 1974, 1978 and 2010. The Oranje have also been prone to imploding spectacularly at international tournaments.
Perhaps the United States can hand them another disappointing exit.
World Cup 2022 Scores: Tuesday's Results and Wednesday's Schedule
Nov 29, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 29: Christian Pulisic of USA gestures during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between IR Iran and USA at Al Thumama Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohammad Karamali/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The United States men's national team advanced to the knockout round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday afternoon.
Christian Pulisic's 38th-minute goal was the difference between the Americans finishing in second place in Group B and going home from Qatar.
The Americans took second behind England, who had a much more comfortable day in Qatar by winning 3-0 over Wales.
The wins by the USMNT and England confirmed the first two matches of the knockout round. The Americans take on Group A winner Netherlands on Saturday, while England and Group A runner-up Senegal square off on Sunday.
Netherlands and Senegal had similar experiences on Monday as the two teams in the same positions as them in Group B. The Dutch finished off a miserable home World Cup for Qatar with two goals, while Senegal battled to a 2-1 win over Ecuador.
Group B
1. England - 7 points
2. United States - 5
3. Iran - 3
4. Wales - 1
Tuesday Results
United States 1, Iran 0
England 3, Wales 0
The United States relied on its highest-profile player to advance into the knockout round.
Christian Pulisic connected with a Sergiño Dest cross in the 38th minute to give the Americans the three points required to advance to the round of 16.
Dest and Antonee Robinson challenged the Iranian defense down the flanks for most of the first half, but they were unable to play a perfect ball into the box until Dest's assist on Pulisic's goal.
The Americans appeared to have a second goal in the back of the net right before halftime, but Timothy Weah was ruled narrowly offside.
Iran played much better in the second half, as it had to secure at least a draw to make it out of Group B.
Iran came close on a few occasions, but none of its shots significantly challenged USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The American win set up a round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands. That will be the first of eight round-of-16 matches to be played in Qatar.
England became the fourth European nation to secure safe passage into the round of 16, and the Three Lions confirmed that UEFA had the first two group winners in Qatar.
Marcus Rashford brought the English attack to life five minutes into the second half with a stunning free-kick goal.
The Manchester United forward has three goals in Qatar. He added to his World Cup tally with a goal in the 68th minute.
Phil Foden became the sixth player to find the back of the net for England just a minute after Rashford opened the scoring. Foden knocked in a brilliant cross from the right wing off Harry Kane's boot.
England advanced to the knockout round without Kane, who is the reigning Golden Boot winner at the World Cup, finding the back of the net.
The well-rounded English attack will take on Senegal in the round of 16. The Three Lions are trying to reach the semifinals of their third straight major tournament. They finished in fourth place at the 2018 World Cup and were the runner-up at UEFA Euro 2020.
Group A
1. Netherlands - 7 points
2. Senegal - 6
3. Ecuador - 4
4. Qatar - 0
Tuesday Results
Netherlands 2, Qatar 0
Senegal 2, Ecuador 1
A three-minute stretch in the second half was the turning point in the fight for second place in Group A.
Senegal came out of that stretch on top through Kalidou Koulibaly's 70th-minute strike, which was his first-ever international goal.
Caicedo's strike appeared to give Ecuador the result it needed to go through with the Netherlands, but Senegal came up huge in a must-win spot to answer the goal from the Brighton and Hove Albion player.
Senegal is through to the knockout round for the second time in national team history. The Lions of Teranga made it to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
The Netherlands cruised into the knockout round as the Group A winner with a 2-0 win over Qatar.
Cody Gakpo continued to make his case as the breakout player of the tournament. as he netted his third goal of the competition in the first half.
The 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven player scored three of the five Dutch goals in the group stage. He will likely will not remain at PSV much longer after the World Cup. He was already on the radars of Europe's top clubs and his transfer value may be at its highest in January.
Qatar finished the group stage with zero points and a single goal. Qatar became the first host nation to lose all three games at the World Cup.
Wednesday Schedule
Group D: Tunisia vs. France (10 a.m. ET, FS1)
Group D: Australia vs. Denmark (10 a.m. ET, FS1)
Group C: Poland vs. Argentina (2 p.m. ET, Fox)
Group C: Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico (2 p.m. ET, FS1)
Christian Pulisic Diagnosed with Pelvic Injury After USA's Win over Iran at World Cup
Nov 29, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 29: Christian Pulisic of United States receives medical treatment at half time during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between IR Iran and USA at Al Thumama Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
United States men's national team star Christian Pulisic was subbed out at halftime of Tuesday's FIFA World Cup match against Iran for what was later diagnosed as a pelvic contusion, the team announced.
Though he's listed as "day-to-day," Pulisic told teammates via Facetime he will be ready for the next game Saturday against the Netherlands, Weston McKennie said after the match.
The injury came when Pulisic collided with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand while scoring his 38th-minute goal off a cross from Sergiño Dest:
Pulisic was helped off the pitch but returned to finish out the first half. The forward was not with the team at the start of the second half, however, and was subbed out for Brenden Aaronson.
He was later taken to the hospital for scans as the team closed out the 1-0 victory.
The 24-year-old was making his 55th appearance for the USMNT, leading all starters in Tuesday's match. His first-half goal was the 22nd of his career with the squad, adding to his 11 assists.
His assist to Tim Weah in the team's opening World Cup match against Wales on Nov. 21 set up the Americans' only goal through the first two games.
Pulisic has also proved himself at the club level with 20 Premier League goals across four seasons with Chelsea. He also helped the English squad win the UEFA Champions League title in 2021.
With the U.S. advancing, it will likely need Pulisic back to 100 percent in order to compete with the Netherlands in the round of 16.
The Americans would need Aaronson, Weah and others to step up in the attack in the event Pulisic is unavailable for the 10 a.m. ET match on Saturday.
The United States men's national team is in a must-win situation against Iran on Tuesday at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Americans have two points from two...
World Cup 2022 Groups Table: Predicting the Knockout Bracket
Nov 27, 2022
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 26: Kylian Mbappe of France looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between France and Denmark at Stadium 974 on November 26, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Thirty of the 32 teams entered in the 2022 FIFA World Cup are still alive to advance to the knockout round.
The permutations are easier for some squads to advance to the round of 16, and only France has officially confirmed its spot in the knockout round.
Qatar and Canada are the two officially eliminated squads. That number could inflate after Monday's games in Groups G and H depending on the results in those four matches.
A handful of squads, including the United States men's national team, face win-and-in situations on their final group matchdays.
Other teams, like Germany, need wins and some help in potentially lopsided matchups to keep their World Cup hopes alive for at least a few more days.
Round of 16 Predictions
Netherlands (Group A winner) vs. United States (Group B runner-up)
Argentina (Group C winner) vs. Denmark (Group D runner-up)
Spain (Group E winner) vs. Morocco (Group F runner-up)
Brazil (Group G winner) vs. Portugal (Group H runner-up)
England (Group B winner) vs. Ecuador (Group A runner-up)
France (Group D winner) vs. Poland (Group C runner-up)
Croatia (Group F winner) vs. Germany (Group E runner-up)
Uruguay (Group H winner) vs. Switzerland (Group G runner-up)
Group A
1. Netherlands - 4 points (+2 goal differential)
2. Ecuador - 4 (+2)
3. Senegal - 3 (0)
4. Qatar - 0 (-4) - eliminated from tournament.
The Netherlands should confirm themselves as Group A winner on Tuesday with a win over Qatar.
The Dutch should outclass the host nation with ease. Qatar was eliminated from advancing to the knockout round after the second matchday. The Qataris have not had enough quality to deal with Ecuador and Senegal, and the same can be said about their matchup with the Dutch.
Most of the Group A attention Tuesday will be on Ecuador and Senegal inside the Khalifa International Stadium.
Ecuador has a one-point advantage over Senegal, and its defense could be massive in that match. La Tri conceded once in Qatar. The concession to the Dutch was the first goal allowed in eight matches for the South American side.
Senegal's back line has been more open lately, as it has one clean sheet in the last seven games.
Ecuador only needs a draw to advance, and even if it wins, it will likely not match the Netherlands' goal output against Qatar.
Group B
1. England - 4 (+4)
2. Iran - 3 (-2)
3. United States - 2 (0)
4. Wales - 1 (-2)
The United States needs a win over Iran to advance out of Group B. Any other result would not allow them to leap over Iran in the standings.
The Americans played three solid halves in the first two games, and they need to have more punch in the final third to beat an Iran side that has a negative goal differential from its 6-2 loss to England.
England should beat the Welsh in a match of regional rivals. Wales will be without goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who was sent off late in the second half against Iran.
Wales looked the worst of the four Group B sides through two matches, and it may be hard for the Welsh to compete with the England, especially a result needed for the Three Lions to advance in first place.
England has extra motivation to finish in first place because that would allow it to avoid a round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands.
Group C
1. Poland - 4 (+2)
2. Argentina - 3 (+1)
3. Saudi Arabia - 3 (-1)
4. Mexico - 1 (-2)
The Argentina-Poland match will determine the fate of Group C.
Argentina looked relieved after beating Mexico on Saturday, and that help the Albiceleste play with more energy and less stress against Poland.
The South American side should be favored against Poland and a win gets it into the knockout round, and more importantly, it will avoid France in the round of 16.
Poland can still get through to the knockout round with a loss. A Mexico-Saudi Arabia draw allows that to happen.
Mexico will be playing for pride and an outside chance to land a spot in the round of 16. Saudi Arabia struggled to create offense against Poland after beating Argentina in its opener.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa will be Poland's best friend on Wednesday. If he keeps Saudi Arabia out, Mexico scores one or two goals and Poland loses by just one goal, Poland will go through on goal differential.
Group D
1. France - 6 (+4)
2. Australia - 3 (-2)
3. Denmark - 1 (-1)
4. Tunisia - 1 (-1)
France is assumed to be the Group D winner.
The reigning World Cup champion has two wins from two games, and it should beat Tunisia, even if it rotates some of its squad to stay fresh for the knockout round.
Denmark should be the favored side against Australia. The Danes resided in the same situation at UEFA Euro 2020 and won. They went on to reach the semifinals of that tournament.
Denmark needs a win to leap over Australia, while the Aussies just need a draw from that match to advance.
Tunisia is still alive, but a win over France seems very unlikely with the form that Kylian Mbappé is in. Mbappé is tied for the Golden Boot lead with three goals.
Group E
1. Spain - 4 (+7)
2. Japan - 3 (0)
3. Costa Rica - 3 (-6)
4. Germany - 1 (-1)
All four teams are still alive in Group E.
Germany needs a win over Costa Rica and a bit of help to avoid a second straight group-stage exit.
Costa Rica gained an edge on Germany with a win over Japan on Sunday, but the Ticos could still be outclassed by a roster full of Bayern Munich stars.
Spain's formula to win the group is simple. La Roja needs to beat Japan to finish in first place. A draw combined with a Germany win allows the Spanish to get into the round of 16 in first as well.
Japan beat Germany and then went into a conservative strategy against Costa Rica that cost it that result. Japan could now be on the brink of elimination given how strong Spain is playing.
Group F
1. Croatia - 4 (+3)
2. Morocco - 4 (+2)
3. Belgium - 3 (-1)
4. Canada - 0 (-4) - eliminated from tournament
Croatia and Morocco have the clear advantages going into the final day of play in Group F.
Croatia's attack woke up against Canada to put it on top of the group ahead of Morocco on goal differential.
Belgium has been one of the most disappointing teams in the tournament, and it faces an uphill climb to get out of third place since it plays Croatia.
Croatia outperformed Belgium over 180 minutes of play, and it is expected to at least get a point out of the meeting of 2018 World Cup semifinalists.
Canada's defense allowed numerous wide-open chances to Croatia, and that could once again be its downfall against Morocco. The second-place team in Group F could be the only African side in the knockout round.
Group G
1. Brazil - 3 (+2)
2. Switzerland - 3 (+1)
3. Cameroon - 0 (-1)
4. Serbia - 0 (-2)
Group G is one of two groups with two matches left to play.
Brazil should be fine without Neymar because Richarlison is in some of the best form of any player on the international level. Richarlison scored twice in the opener against Serbia.
The Selecao take on Switzerland on Monday for first place in the group. That could allow Serbia or Cameroon to sneak into second place with a victory in their contest Monday.
Serbia sits at the biggest disadvantage because it conceded twice against Brazil. The European side could make up that gap with a win over Cameroon before it faces Switzerland in the group finale.
Brazil looked like the strongest squad in the first set of matches, and it is the favorite to win Group G until proved otherwise.
Group H
1. Portugal - 3 (+1)
2. Uruguay - 1 (0)
3. South Korea - 1 (0)
4. Ghana - 0 (-1)
Portugal and Uruguay find themselves in the same situation in Group H as Brazil and Switzerland in Group G.
They are perceived as the top two teams in Group H and either side can gain separation on top of the group Monday.
Portugal scored three goals, but it also conceded on two occasions to Ghana. Uruguay had the stronger defensive performance with a clean sheet in a scoreless draw versus South Korea.
Uruguay's defense could hold up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. and its attack, led by Darwin Núñez and Luis Suárez, could take advantage of a Portuguese defense that was opened up in the second half by Ghana.
2022 Men's World Cup: US Holds Its Own vs. England, but Goals Are the Goal vs. Iran
Nov 26, 2022
Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic both played standout roles in the 0-0 draw with England. Pulisic's effort earned him the Man of the Match honor.
Say what you want about the United States men’s national team, but there's no arguing Gregg Berhalter's side has left its mark at the 2022 World Cup.
A rousing performance in Friday's 0-0 draw against England reflected the progress the team has made in the eight years since it was last at a World Cup tournament. It was a match that saw the USMNT in control against a heavily favored opponent, looking more dangerous in attack, and the U.S. was likely the team that should have won it.
It was an effort to be proud of and paid tribute to the mentality, talent and tacticians behind this team. Ultimately, though, the biggest test of the tournament awaits them. The United States will play Iran on Tuesday, in what Berhalter is calling the first knockout match of their World Cup. They’ll need win to remain alive.
Notably, they’ll need to figure out how to score some goals in order to do so.
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Tim Weah #21 of the United States goes up for a header during a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USMNT at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Berhalter Gets His Tactics Spot On vs. England
Berhalter’s men showed real tactical flexibility in adapting to a different style of game in Matchday 2.
Against Wales, the U.S. held the majority of possession, breaking their record for completed passes in one half of a World Cup.
But against England, the U.S. didn't just outplay their English counterparts, they also out-coached them. England’s formidable lineup of big-name stars was expected to dominate possession, and the U.S. came prepared to address that. Berhalter trotted out his squad in a 4-4-2 formation—an adjustment to the typical 4-3-3—which they executed to near perfection.
Weston McKennie, in particular, shone brightly in his adjusted position on the right side of midfield, looking electric alongside Sergiño Dest and Timothy Weah.
Adjustments on the left worked well also. Berhalter told media in the post-match press conference he’d had a slight reservation playing Christian Pulisic deeper, asking him to feature more defensively. Nodding toward Pulisic’s selflessness as a player, Berhalter commended his impact on both sides of the ball, agreeing he deserved official Man of the Match accolades.
McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams were at their absolute best in a match dominated by the American midfield, further affirming belief in the powers of the “MMA” trifecta, when they’re reaching peak performance.
By the end of the match, the U.S. chipped away at England’s possession to near equity. They broke through England’s press with composure. They took 10 shots to England’s eight. And though England fired off slightly more shots on goal (three to one), the U.S. garnered a higher xG (expected goals), and had the biggest chance of the evening.
Given the narrative weight attached to a compelling showing against England, the U.S. will be reasonably happy with the result.
All or Nothing Against Iran
Fate is in their hands to get out of the group. But it requires them to defeat Iran; a draw won’t cut it. And to win, they’ll need to start putting away those chances.
Iran's midfielder #07 Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Iran's forward #09 Mehdi Taremi, and Iran's forward #10 Karim Ansarifard celebrate the team's victory during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between Wales and Iran at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on November 25, 2022. (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP) (Photo by ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP via Getty Images)
Iran’s first showing against England was hardly their best foot forward. England cut quickly through Iran’s defense, defeating them 6-2, in ways not entirely emblematic of Iran’s abilities. Their manager, Carlos Queiroz, is a highly regarded tactician and one who’ll know how to test this U.S. team.
They'll be a tough opponent, scrapping for their place in the knockout stages. And especially given Iran only need a draw to get out of the group stage (assuming a Wales loss to England), the U.S. can expect they’ll sit back, compact defensively, daring the U.S. to hold possession and break through them.
Struggling to break down low-block defending teams has been a long-running theme of this U.S. squad. It followed them through CONCACAF World Cup Qualification, and despite holding possession in an impressive first half against Wales, the U.S. produced limited opportunities to score outside of Weah's lone goal.
With absolutely everything on the line, they’ll need to account for that on Tuesday, which could require changes.
Berhalter has kept loyal to his starting lineup this World Cup, making just one adjustment at striker from Wales to England. To address fatigue, fitness and beyond it, further tweaks may be needed.
Brenden Aaronson’s unrelenting press and tenacity in the midfield might be well-timed for this match. His energy could provide relief for McKennie, who has excelled but is still returning to full fitness.
Josh Sargent and Haji Wright were both solid in their run-outs at striker. But failing the ultimate test to produce goals, it’s possible we’ll finally see Jesús Ferreira. His impact off the ball is unique in this striker pool, and his ability to open up space for teammates might be precisely what’s needed for the Iran game.
Berhalter has wheeled out some tactical surprises this World Cup, and one wonders if their final and most important group-stage match will feature another.
With spectators clamoring for a fit Giovanni Reyna to feature more prominently, and an in-form Weah willing to act as a striker, you have to imagine that there must be some consideration of a front three of Pulisic, Weah and Reyna. It might be what is needed to unlock Iran’s defense.
Beyond breaking the block, the U.S. will need to be wary of quick hits in transition. Iran is a team twice proven capable of scoring late, breaking through on the counter.
USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter
Berhalter’s men have been commendable this World Cup. They’ve broken through stereotypes held in foreign media and showed creativity, adaptability and belief. Berhalter, too, deserves credit for his performance.
But the narrative of this World Cup in the eyes of the USA, and in the estimation of their peers globally, rests entirely on the ability to beat Iran and get out of the group stage.
Their biggest test lies waiting. To pass, they need to answer one remaining question: Can this U.S. team score the goals necessary to defeat Iran?
Christian Pulisic: USMNT Has 'a Lot of Work Left to Do' to Make World Cup Round of 16
Nov 26, 2022
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Christian Pulisic of USA during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USA at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team fought to a 0-0 draw against England on Friday at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and now the Americans will need to defeat Iran in their third and final match of Group B action to reach the knockout stages.
Star midfielder Christian Pulisic hopes the USMNT's draw against England, one of the world's premier national teams, "made a lot of people proud" in the United States, but he said the Stars and Stripes will need to dig deep in order to make it to the round of 16, per ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.
"Everyone back home watching, I hope we made a lot of people proud," he said. "But the job isn't even close to done, so we've got a lot of work left to do."
The USMNT opened the World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Wales. Timothy Weah scored the team's only goal of the tournament against The Dragons in a game that saw the Americans take their foot off the gas in the second half.
Friday's performance against Gareth Southgate's Three Lions was far better as the USMNT produced the better chances, including a whistling shot by Pulisic that hit the crossbar in the first half.
Still, those scoring opportunities mean nothing if the ball doesn't sail into the back of the net, and now the Americans will have their backs against the wall against Iran on Tuesday. A tie or loss would not put the U.S. into the elimination stages, which would be a disappointment for Gregg Berhalter's side.
"We played with a ton of spirit, but we're going to have to be up for it [against Iran]," Berhalter said Friday. "We want a chance to advance... We know it's going to be a difficult game, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."
Iran fell to England 6-2 in its World Cup opener but stunned Wales with a 2-0 win in their second match of the tournament on Friday.
The USMNT reached the round of 16 at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups but did not qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. If the Stars and Stripes don't make it past the group stage, it will be the first time they failed to do so in a World Cup they entered since 2006, when they finished 25th.
The United States men's national team earned a 0-0 draw against England in their second game at the 2022 World Cup. In a tactically fascinating, largely...
Fans Praise USA for Strong Showing, Rue Missed Chances in Draw vs. England
Nov 25, 2022
AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 25: Weston McKennie #8 of the United States plays the ball during a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and USMNT at Al Bayt Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Twitter users were conflicted Friday as the United States played England to a scoreless draw at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Ultimately, the result was a good one for the USMNT against a favored England squad, especially since the Americans carried the play for long stretches. Fans lamented missed opportunities on the United States' part, however.
For most of the first half and the first 25 minutes of the second half, the U.S. was clearly the better team, leading to plenty of talk on Twitter about the Americans outplaying a stacked England side:
We outplayed England today and that feels pretty damn good.
While England did win the possession battle at 55 percent, the United States outshot England 10-8 and also earned seven corner kicks compared to three for England.
Those numbers were unexpected considering England blew out Iran 6-2 in their opener and looked every bit like a top contender to win the World Cup.
The Americans had a few quality scoring opportunities in the match, but none greater than in the 26th minute when Weston McKennie was all alone on the doorstep and sent a shot over the net:
Super weird. Because if you had told me before the game USA would tie England I’d have taken it in a heartbeat. But after that game I’m super annoyed at a tie. USA had their chances. Should have won.
A win would have put the Americans on the brink of advancing to the knockout stage, but even with a draw, they have a strong chance to make it out of the group.
Drawing England ensured that with a win over Iran on Tuesday, the United States will move on. However, a draw or loss will result in the Americans' elimination since Iran beat Wales 2-0 on Friday.
Beating Iran is far from a guarantee, but U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter likely would have taken that scenario if presented with it before the World Cup.
