Christian Pulisic was the hero of the day as the United States of America beat the Islamic Republic of Iran to qualify for the knockout rounds at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Pulisic’s goal came in the 38th minute when he came barreling into the Iran box and scored while colliding with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beyrandvand.
The Chelsea star was forced from the game at halftime with an abdominal injury sustained in the collision. He was taken to the hospital for scans, team officials said, but no other information on his injuries was released.
Timothy Weah thought he scored the second goal for the United States in first half stoppage time but the play was ruled offside.
Iran’s best chances to tie the game came in second half stoppage time first when defender Morteza Pouraliganji’s header sailed inches wide of the net and then forward Mehdi Taremi’s sliding kick got past American goalkeeper Matt Turner but didn’t have enough strength to reach the net.
USA will now face the Netherlands in the round of 16.
