The U.S. Men’s National Team has the opportunity to clinch a berth in the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a win against IR Iran on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Following two strong performances to kick off the tournament, including an inspired showing in a 0-0 draw against tournament favorite England on Black Friday, a victory against Team Melli would guarantee the USMNT passage to the Round of 16.
Kickoff for Iran-USA from Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar is set for 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on FOX and Telemundo.
The third and final group stage match has often proved pivotal for the USMNT at the World Cup as the USA seeks its sixth knockout stage berth in 11 tournament appearances. Tuesday’s game marks the second World Cup meeting between the U.S. and Iran at the FIFA World Cup following the match at France 1998.
After dropping its first match 6-2 to England, Iran netted two late goals against Wales to keep its advancement hopes alive and will be fighting to make it to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
TOE-TO-TOE AGAINST THE THREE LIONS
Facing off against tournament favorite England, the USMNT was fearless and on the front foot for much of its 0-0 draw against the Three Lions on Black Friday. The midfield line of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic dominated in the middle of the park, putting the clamps on England’s vaunted lineup and sparking a number of scoring opportunities. McKennie nearly had the game’s opening goal in the 26th off a Tim Weah cross, but his half-volley skied over the crossbar, while forward Christian Pulisic hit the bar with a shot from the edge of the box in the 33rd.
TURNER STANDS TALL
Goalkeeper Matt Turner became the fifth USMNT netminder to earn a shutout in the FIFA World Cup, joining the ranks of Jimmy Douglas (3-0 W vs. Belgium and 3-0 W vs. Paraguay in 1930), Frank Borghi (1-0 W vs. England in 1950), Brad Friedel (2-0 W vs. Mexico in 2002) and Tim Howard (1-0 W vs. Algeria in 2010). It’s the 15th career clean sheet in 22 international appearances for the New Jersey native, the fourth goalkeeper from the Garden State to start for the U.S. at the World Cup, following Douglas (1930), Tony Meola (1990, 1994) and Howard (2010, 2014). It’s been an incredible journey for Turner, who didn’t start playing until age 16 and considered quitting in college when a gaffe placed him No. 1 on SportsCenter’s “Not Top 10.”
YOUNGEST LINEUPS AT QATAR 2022
Youth has been a theme for the USMNT throughout this cycle and it’s continued here in Qatar. Already with the second-youngest roster at the 2022 FIFA World Cup behind only Ghana, the USA’s two lineups against Wales (25 years, 102 days) and England (25 years, 169 days) are the two youngest Starting XIs in the 28 matches that have been played at the tournament through Sunday evening. The lineups against Wales and England also rank fourth and fifth respectively in USMNT World Cup history, coming in behind the three Starting XIs that took the field at Italia ’90 (all just over 24 years old), when the squad was made up in part by semi-professional and collegiate players.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUNUS
Midfielder Yunus Musah will turn 20 on Tuesday when the U.S. faces Iran, capping off one of the most productive runs ever for a teenager representing the USMNT. His 21 international appearances tie Christian Pulisic and Jozy Altidore for most caps as a teenager, while his 20 starts and 1578 minutes played lead USMNT teenagers all-time. With his start against England, who he represented at the youth international level, he became the only teenager to make multiple World Cup appearances for the U.S.
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