Home ›› 29 Nov 2022 ›› Sport
As soon as USA and Iran were potted into the same group in the FIFA World Cup 2022, questions and wondering began about whether this match will carry the political tension between the countries on the pitch.
And now as the sides clash in the final match of the group stage, the stage is set for a tough battle in the middle as both teams have the chance to qualify for the round of 16.
USA currently sit on two points from their two draws, while Iran have three after their win over Wales following the battering by England.
The equation is pretty simple for both sides as a win would take them through. If they draw, USA will be out, and Iran will have to keep an eye on the result between England and Wales.
Both teams will be booming with confidence following their results in their second match as Iran found two stoppage-time goals to down Wales, which was a big morale boost following their 6-2 hammering in the hands of England.
USA saw two points slip through their hands against Wales, and they would say they were unlucky to not get all three against England. It was the Americans who dominated the match against the English, and only their lack of precision in front of the goal saw them held in a goalless draw.
While there have been talks about the political facet of the game, USA coach Gregg Berhalter completely denied it ahead of their must-win match.
“I’ve played in three different countries, and I coached in Sweden, and the thing about soccer is you meet so many different people from all around the world, and you’re united by a common love of the sport.
“I envision the game being hotly contested for the fact that both teams want to advance to the next round – not because of politics or because of relations between our countries.
“We’re soccer players and we’re going to compete and they’re going to compete and that’s it,” he said after their match against England.
USA might bring in one change to their starting XI as Gio Reyna, who has been recovering from an injury and came on as a substitute against England. Weston McKennie may have to drop to the bench to make way for the Borussia Dortmund player.
Iran, on the other hand, will be sweating over the fitness of their star player Sardar Azmoun, who could not complete 90 minutes against Wales.
If he cannot come back for the all-important clash, they will hope that Mehdi Taremi continues on his brilliant form in this tournament as he has already racked up two goals and an assist.
