World Cup 2022: Iran 0-1 USA: Christian Pulisic winner seals date with Netherlands

Despite it being an all or nothing match at the Al Thumama Stadium, neither team came out of the blocks oozing intensity.

Iran put a little bit of pressure on the USA defence in the opening minutes but rarely caused much trouble.

Dest was energetic and direct for the USA, while Pulisic’s pace and Antonee Robinson’s deliveries teased a goal for much of the first half.

When the USA finally opened up the Iran defence – Weston McKennie spraying an inch-perfect pass to Dest to nod down for Pulisic – it only settled them more and they saw out the first half with ease.

Celebrations from a smaller contingent of USA fans behind the goal at the far end were slightly muted as Pulisic received treatment after clattering into the goalkeeper and he later hobbled off.

Iran had nothing to lose after the break and began to throw caution to the wind, creating a few chances but still not really testing USA goalkeeper Matt Turner until very late on.

Ghoddos, Ezatolahi and Ali Karimi gave Iran fans a brief moment of excitement with their efforts, while Timothy Weah – who had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half – remained an outlet for the USA.

As the clock ticked on, the USA broke up play and disrupted rhythm but Iran had one more opportunity to cause a major upset in stoppage time when Pouraliganji headed a free-kick agonisingly wide of the post.

He fell to his knees in frustration, as did several of his team-mates, as Iran knew their chance of taking the USA’s place in the last 16 may have just been and gone.

There was desperation with seconds to go as Iran appealed frantically for a penalty but the referee was not interested and there was nothing to suggest any foul play.

As the final whistle went, the USA players and substitutes sprinted over to one end of the pitch to celebrate while the Iran squad fell to the floor.