USA vs. Iran: Top Storylines, Odds, Live Stream for World Cup 2022
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 games in Qatar and they need a win to move into the knockout round.
Gregg Berhalter's side is third in Group B going into the match with Iran, but it can leapfrog the Asian nation with three points inside the Al Thumama Stadium.
There is reason to believe the Americans will succeed at the task because of how promising they looked in the final third against England on Friday.
Iran will not go down easily, especially after it made some positive adjustments for its second group game against Wales. Manager Carlos Queiroz is one of the best tacticians in the international game and he will make sure Iran is set up to frustrate the USMNT.
As it has been for the entire tournament, the USMNT's biggest issue is striking the back of the net. Chances were created against England and Wales, but only one goal was scored in the first half against Wales.
Christian Pulisic came close to scoring against England and he will have to be the attacking catalyst again for the USMNT so it can extend its stay in Qatar.
Odds and Match Info
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
United States (+100; bet $100 to win $100)
Iran (+295)
Draw (+240)
Over 2.5 Goals (+125); Under 2.5 Goals (-155)
Match Info
Date: Tuesday, November 29
Start Time: 2 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Live Stream: FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app
Christian Pulisic Once Again Must Be Driving Force in USMNT Attack
Christian Pulisic was the most active American player in the final third against England.
The Chelsea midfielder struck the bar with a first-half opportunity and was in the middle of many American breakthroughs into the final third.
Pulisic will be shouldered with more responsibility to score again on Tuesday because of how often he is on the ball and how little the USMNT strikers have contributed in starting roles.
Josh Sargent missed the target with a first-half header against Wales and Haji Wright was unable to create multiple scoring opportunities against England.
The Americans have been able to make space in the middle of the park, and on the wings, through Pulisic and others. That is where the chance creation needs to come from to open up and break down an organized Iranian defense.
Having the biggest player on the team step up in the biggest game is one of the oldest cliches in the book, but it has applied at the World Cup as the top players in the world have shown up in vital moments.
Pulisic needs to do the same thing for the Americans, and in the process, he could raise the game of the players around him in attack.
Even if Pulisic does not score, he will likely be involved in the key moments that lead to the attempts that potentially send the Americans into the round of 16.
Iran Will Be Tough to Break Down
Iran went from one of the most vulnerable teams in defense to one of the most organized in its first two group games.
Manager Carlos Queiroz learned from the tough lessons of the 6-2 defeat to England and he set up his side perfectly to deal with the threat from Wales.
Wales only put three shots on target, while the Iranian attack produced 21 shots, six of which went on target.
Iran likely will not attempt 21 shots on Tuesday, but it will be tough to break down for the American attack.
Iran only conceded on four occasions in the final round of AFC World Cup qualifying and it gave up two goals at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in a group that featured Spain and Portugal.
Iran was one point away from qualifying for the knockout round four years ago, but it only managed a draw against Portugal when it needed a win.
A similar situation sits in front of Iran on Tuesday, and its success will start with a strong defensive spine.
If Iran is once again organized at the back, it could strike on the counter for one or two goals that move it into the knockout round over the USMNT.
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