USA PLAYER RATINGS: Christian Pulisic scores as the US fight past Iran
USA PLAYER RATINGS: Star man Christian Pulisic set the tone from the start and stepped up when he was needed most… while Yunus Musah and Sergino Dest came of age to help America fight past plucky Iran
- Christian Pulisic scored the only goal in the tense clash to send the US through
- The USA held firm in the second half as Iran ramped it up in search of a equalizer
- Here, Sportsmail rates and slates players from Team USA’s final group B match
- Click here for all your latest international Sports news from DailyMail.com
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
The United States triumphed in their critical, final match of Group B to qualify for the knockout stages.
USA coach Gregg Berhalter named the youngest team at the Qatar World Cup and it paid dividends.
Its most famous face, Christian Pulisic summoned the synonymously courageous American spirit, hurtling toward goal to put in the vital winner before succumbing to a resultant abdominal injury.
As a reward for their efforts, the United States will now face the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
Here, Sportsmail’s Patrick Djordjevic rates the USA players who starred and stuttered for the victorious USA.
The United States squad including former Newcastle man DeAndre Yedlin (C) celebrate making it through to the Round of 16, where they will face the Netherlands on Saturday 10a ET
US fans both in Qatar & abroad erupted as their nation qualified for the Round of 16 Tuesday
USA (4-1-2-3)
Matt Turner – 5
Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper had very little to do on Tuesday night in Qatar. When necessary, Turner was on hand to mop up the occasional bobbling ball in the box.
He almost conceded in the dying embers but his defense mopped up before the ball got close to the line.
Sergino Dest – 8
The Dutch-born speedster utilized space afforded to him out wide, creating a constant headache for Iran.
There was little tangibility until McKennie found Dest, who provided a precise headed ball for Christian Pulisic to score.
The assist capped off a stellar first-half performance for the Milan man.
Sergino Dest was a perpetual thorn in the side of Iran, providing the crucial assist to Pulisic
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 5
Making his international debut Carter-Vickers largely stood up. There was no sin of early jitters, intercepting passes into Iran striker Sardar Azmoun early in the first half.
There were some shakier moments but Carter-Vickers did enough in the most vital situations, often using his strength, to avoid any catastrophe.
Tim Ream – 5
Like most of the US rearguard, had little to do in the opening hald. The Fulham defender made a vital interception as Azmoun looked to find Mehdi Taremi inside the box during the early stages.
Looked adequately resolute as Iran continued to pour pressure on the USA backline in the second period.
Antonee Robinson – 6
Constant presence on the left-flank, at times he provided enticing balls without any tangible reward, such was Iran’s defensive presence.
Had constant energy in the first-half as the USA dominated the flanks. After the break, he failed to stick a challenge in what should have resulted in an Iran equalizer.
Fulham’s Antonee Robinson was a constant threat down the left-hand side for the USA team
Weston McKennie – 7
McKennie started slow and looked the lamest of the three midfielders. The Juventus man failed to create much until a piercing cross-field ball to find Dest, who set up the vital goal.
While the performance itself was far from one of his best, the moment was a showcase of what he is capable of.
Tyler Adams – 6
Ever the leader, Adams was a conduit between attack and defense, early interception set the tone
Came into his own once the US scored and Iran took more possession.
Yunus Musah – 8
A man of the match performance. Musah was courage personified as many of his teammates failed to find any fluidity and force early.
He was the sparkplug for the US, not shying away from the ball, looking to create at each opportunity. The 20-year-old had an endless reservoir of energy. Musah was a total menace to the Iranians on both the attacking and defensive ends.
Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie celebrate jubilantly following the sole goal of the game
Christian Pulisic – 8
The moment his career was made for. Pulisic’s goal seemed written in the stars.
A promising early run at the Iranian defense set the tone. He landed a header on target before his brilliant run into the six-yard box secured a goal and the US’ ticket to the next round.
Heroically, he tried to push through the pain before ultimately succumbing to an injury suffered in the act of scoring. Pulisic was subbed off at 45 minutes with a reported abdominal injury.
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Came on at half-time for the goal scorer and provided an energy and determination for which is he known.
Looked to be the most energic ball-carrying option once Pulisic exited the field of play. Came close to providing threatening opportunities for the US on the break.
Christian Pulisic sped into the box before poking home, sending the USA into utter ecstasy
Timothy Weah – 5
Started slowly but grew into the game with his acceleration and drive but missed an enormous chance at 0-0, choosing to head a looping ball straight into the arms of the keeper.
Pressed hard but failed to provide the key pass or shot when needed. He did score a beautiful — albeit disallowed — goal, not too dissimilar to the opener vs. Wales.
Josh Sargent – 6
Not a constant threatened but when he was involved, Sargent’s hold-up play provided a platform for creativity to flow from.
His deflected shot created an opening for Tim Weah’s missed opportunity. No reason he shouldn’t lead the line vs. Virgil van Dijk and Co. Saturday.
Pulisic had to head to the sidelines, he came back on before being substituted at half-time
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