DOHA (AFP) – The United States beat Iran, 1-0, in a battle of geopolitical foes to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup on Tuesday while England eased through against Wales.
The Americans earned a second round meeting with the Netherlands after Christian Pulisic bundled the ball into the net in the 38th minute of an absorbing contest in Doha.
Only the third international meeting of the bitter ideological rivals had been marked by a bad-tempered buildup.
Iran’s Football Federation had on Sunday demanded that FIFA punish US Soccer for posting a modified version of their country’s flag on social media.
Meanwhile, the Iran team’s every move in Qatar has been scrutinized for signs the players are showing support for mass anti-government protests that have shaken the Islamic republic.
On Tuesday, having opted not to do so in their opening match, the Iranian players did sing the national anthem, albeit without much enthusiasm, in the highly-charged atmosphere of the Al Thumama Stadium.
There was nothing half-hearted about the Iranians’ performance though, but the Americans were deserved winners after digging deep for the victory.
“The guys grinded, gave every single ounce and we are undefeated going into the next round,” USA coach Gregg Berhalter said.
Iran substitute Saman Ghoddos wasted two clear scoring opportunities.
“The dream is over,” Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said. “Unfortunately football always punishes the team that doesn’t score.”
Reflecting the fact that the game was about more than sport, US President Joe Biden had wrapped up a speech on the economy in Michigan, but returned to the stage to tell the crowd: “The US one, Iran zero! The game’s over!”
– England ends Welsh challenge –
England’s task was easier, as they swept past Wales 3-0 to win Group B and set up a meeting with Senegal on Sunday.
After an uneventful first half in the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden pounced in the space of two second-half minutes to effectively end the contest.
Manchester United forward Rashford then added his second goal of the night to ensure Wales’ first involvement in a World Cup finals since 1958 ended in disappointment.
The Netherlands cruised into the last 16 with a comfortable 2-0 win over already-eliminated Qatar to win Group A.
Cody Gakpo netted his third goal of the tournament and Frenkie de Jong scored the other as the Dutch easily beat the host nation at Al Bayt Stadium.
There was more excitement at the Khalifa International Stadium where Kalidou Koulibaly’s first goal for Senegal pushed his country to a 2-1 win over Ecuador and a place in the knockout phase for just the second time in their history.
