The United States won a World Cup grudge match against Iran as Christian Pulisic scored the winner to set up a last-16 tie with the Netherlands.
The Chelsea forward headed AC Milan defender Sergino Dest’s header over the line seven minutes before half-time.
But he collided with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beranvind in the process and needed several minutes of treatment before being replaced at the break.
It was a match with a lot at stake as both teams had a chance to make it to the knockout stages.
But Iran, who should have gone through with the draw, were dismissed after mustering just one shot on target.
In the second half, they came close – Brentford’s Suman Ghodos came off the bench to hit a shot inches over the bar when he was unmarked in the box, before Saeed Ezzat Elahi also curled over.
Perhaps their best chance came deep into stoppage time, when Murtaza Pooraliganji met a free-kick with a diving header that went just wide.
And there was still time for controversy as Mehdi Tarini appealed for a penalty as he went down trying to block Cameron Carter-Vickers, but his penalty appeals were rejected.
In the end, Iran crashed out of the World Cup in disappointment as the USA made it to the knockout stage for the third time in four tournaments.
It was a meeting between two nations with a difficult relationship.
They severed diplomatic ties in 1980, and their World Cup match was played against the backdrop of massive anti-government protests in Iran.
Iran has accused the US and other foreign adversaries of fomenting the protests. Meanwhile, the US government has imposed sanctions on Iranian officials following a crackdown.
The protests began in September after the custodial death of Mehsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by moral police for allegedly breaking strict head covering rules.
Earlier this week, U.S. manager Greg Berhalter apologized after the U.S. national team used a modified version of Iran’s flag in social media posts.
The US said it decided not to use Iran’s official flag in social media posts to show “support for women in Iran fighting for basic human rights”.
US is poised to secure a spot in the last 16.
Despite it being an all-or-nothing affair at the Al-Thamamah Stadium, neither team came out of the blocks.
Iran put some pressure on the American defense in the opening minutes but rarely caused much trouble.
Dest was lively and straightforward for the USA, while Pulisic’s pace and Anthony Robinson’s delivery teased a goal for much of the first half.
When the U.S. finally opened up Iran’s defense – Weston McKinney splashed an inch-perfect pass over Dest for Pulisic to nod – it only settled them further and they saw out the first half with ease.
Celebrations from a small contingent of USA fans behind the goal at the far end were somewhat muted as Pulisic was treated for a scuffle with the goalkeeper and later sent off.
Iran had nothing to lose after the break and began to throw caution to the wind, creating a few chances but still never really testing USA goalkeeper Matt Turner for long.
Ghoddos, Ezatolahi and Ali Karimi gave the Iranian fans a brief moment of excitement with their efforts, while Timothy Weah – whose goal was ruled out for offside in the first half – was an outlet for the USA.
As the clock ticked down, the U.S. broke up play and disrupted the rhythm but Iran had another chance to pull off a major upset in stoppage time when Poraliganji headed in a free kick.
He fell to his knees in despair, as did many of his teammates, as Iran knew their chances of replacing the US in the last 16 had just passed.
There was frustration with the second as Iran frantically appealed for a penalty but the referee was uninterested and there was nothing to suggest any foul play.
As the final whistle blew, USA players and substitutes ran to one end of the pitch to celebrate while the Iranian squad fell to the floor.
