Opinion

The USA’s 2022 World Cup run ended in the Round of 16 on Saturday with a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands. It’s a game that could have ended differently for the Stars and Stripes who simply weren’t at their best.

This youthful American team will be disappointed in the loss but should be proud of their performances in the tournament. This team went undefeated in the group stage, outplayed mighty England and was the only Concacaf team to advance to the Round of 16.

For one last time let’s look at the three takeaways from the USA’s final game.

The United States men’s national team triumphed against Iran with a nervy 1-0 victory on Tuesday to clinch a Round of 16 game against the Netherlands. The USA gave American fans several heart attacks along the way, but this is a massive accomplishment for the team.

The USA grinded out a tough one but ultimately came out on top. The magic moment came from none other than Christian Pulisic who put his body on the line to score the game-winner.

The United States held on for dear life and beat Iran 1-0 Tuesday to advance to the World Cup round of 16 while eliminating Team Melli. It looked like it would be a comfortable evening after Christian Pulisic put the U.S. up 1-0 in the 38th minute and with the Americans winning every individual duel on the pitch, but Iran dominated the final 20 minutes searching for an all-important equalizer. 

The United States men’s national team has a simple task on Tuesday. Beat Iran and they advance to the Round of 16. The USA starting XI vs Iran will have to be perfect for the young Americans to extend their stay in Qatar.

We’ve seen small shifts and changes in head coach Gregg Berhalter’s lineups at the World Cup so far. In the Wales game Josh Sargent started at striker but then was switched for Haji Wright in the England game. This was the only personnel change from the first two games.