After keeping their World Cup hopes alive by defeating Wales dramatically

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After keeping their World Cup hopes alive by defeating Wales dramatically on Friday, Iran face an impressive USA side at the Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday, with three points enough to take either team through to the knockout stages. Team Melli looked like a different team against Rob Page’s men to the one that was thrashed by England in their opening game, whereas the Stars and Stripes will be rueing missed chances that forced them to share the points with the Three Lions last time out.

History beckons for Iran at the FIFA World Cup as they aim to progress to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Achieving that would be monumental especially given the extraordinary backdrop to their campaign as rising tension in the country continues to prove divisive amongst both the players and the fans; often evident during the pre-match national anthem.

Not dismayed by their 6-2 defeat to England, Iran bounced back with a brilliant late show to beat Wales last time out, handing them their first-ever World Cup victory over European opposition. Repeating the act against the United States will guarantee progression, although a draw would be enough if Wales fail to beat England in the group’s other contest. In pursuit of that goal, Carlos Queiroz’s side have some history in their favour as Iran’s first win on the World Cup stage came back in 1998 against none other than the USA.

Gregg Berhalter’s men arrive into this crunch clash in good spirits though, as the Stars and Stripes produced another impressive display to hold England to a goalless draw. Much like their opponents, victory here would send the USA into the knockout stages of the World Cup, but only a win will do. Progression is something they’ve managed in each of their last two finals appearances, although they were knocked out in the last 16 on both of those occasions.

With a first-ever victory over Iran being a necessity (D1, L1), it’s worth noting USA have lost their winning touch of late and are without a victory since June’s success against Grenada (D4, L1 since). Goals have been the main stumbling block, netting just twice in those five games, including a stoppage-time equaliser against minnows El Salvador.

Date: 29/11/2022
Time: 22:00
Venue: Al Thumama Stadium (Doha)
Pick for this match:
“2” -@ 2.06 ( BETWINNER )