With a painful goal, Christian Pulisic led the USA in the controversial group final against Iran to the round of 16. The former Borussia Dortmund professional scored the acclaimed winning goal on Tuesday (38th minute) to make it 1-0 (1-0) in a politically charged duel that attracted a great deal of attention from the global public. The USA, runners-up in their group, meet the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Saturday, who won their group after beating tournament hosts Qatar 2-0.
24 years after Iran’s 2-1 victory at the 1998 World Cup, the Americans celebrated a prestigious victory after a dramatic finale. After missing out on the World Cup in Russia four years ago, the USA are back in the knockout stages as they were at Brazil 2014.
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Pulisic threw himself into the ball after a beautiful combination over Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest in the scene of the day, colliding with Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand in the process. Five minutes later, the 24-year-old limped onto the pitch of the Al-Tuhmama Stadium again in front of 42,127 spectators. After the break, however, he was unable to continue due to a stomach injury.
England beat Wales in 96 seconds thanks to brace
Co-favorite England has underlined its title ambitions at the World Cup in Qatar and confidently reached the round of 16 with a win in the British duel. The team around the still goalless captain Harry Kane defeated Wales 3-0 (0-0) in Al-Rajjan on Tuesday evening and ended the group stage with seven points as group winners. Marcus Rashford (50th minute/68th) and Phil Foden (51st) ensured the deserved victory for the “Three Lions” in front of 44,297 spectators with a double strike in 96 seconds. England now meet Senegal in the first knockout round on Sunday (20:00 CET).
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Akram Afif | Qatar | Al Sadd SC | Market value: €4 million
The Welsh team around star striker Gareth Bale, who was substituted at half-time, bid farewell to the long-awaited first World Cup since 1958 after three preliminary round games with one point and just one penalty goal in a 1-1 draw against the USA. Wales have not won against their British rivals since 1984. Even a surprise like at the EM 2016, when Bale and Co. sensationally reached the semi-finals, did not succeed this time.
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