The US men’s national team control their destiny in a must-win game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, closing Group B play against Iran in hot pursuit of a Round of 16 places.
The winner of this game will progress to the round of 16, although Iran has the advantage as victory or a draw will be enough to see them finish above Tuesday’s opponents.
The U.S. men’s national team surprised everyone by holding heavily favoured England to a 0-0 draw on Friday.
Entering Friday’s contest, the USA was +290 for the draw and +600 to win Group B.
The U.S. team is now in third place, two points behind England and one point behind Iran, which defeated Wales 2-0 on Friday.
Iran seemed to be back to the performance levels that earned them a place at the World Cup during the 2-0 victory over Wales, with any ideas of Team Melli being the whipping boys of the group after a heavy defeat to England swiftly banished thanks to late goals from Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian.
Kickoff –
Venue – Al- Thumama Stadium
Team news
Iran will be without the services of Alireza Jahanbakhsh in their final game of Group B as the former Brighton & Hove Albion man received a second yellow card of the tournament after a high-footed challenge on Wales’ Chris Mepham during the closing stages of proceedings on Friday afternoon.
Star man Azmoun is a doubt for Team Melli after visibly struggling throughout his 68 minutes on the pitch against Wales, although Queiroz may risk the attacker from the start on Tuesday considering how much quality he adds to the side.
The USA has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Tuesday’s match, with the large majority of fan and media attention focused on the lack of game time for Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna, who has only seen 15 minutes of World Cup action so far.
Iran possible starting lineup:
H Hosseini; Rezaeian, M Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Mohammadi; Ali Gholizadeh, Nourollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajsafi; Taremi, Azmoun
USA possible starting lineup:
Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Pulisic, Weah, Wright
Odds/predictions
According to goal.com, the Asian side has a point more than their American rivals thanks to their victory over Wales on Friday, and a draw would be enough for Iran to qualify from the group.
The stalemate can be backed 5/2 (3.50) with bet365 while Carlos Queiroz’s side is clear outsiders to claim the win at 3/1 (4.00).