Biden celebrates USA's win: 'That’s a big game, man!'
After finishing his speech Tuesday afternoon in Bay City, Michigan, President Joe Biden worked the rope line, shaking hands, and then returned to the podium with an unexpected announcement: “U.S. 1 — Iran Zero. Game is over.”
The crowd of workers at the SK Siltron CSS manufacturing plant started chanting, “U.S.A.!”
“You got it,” Biden said. “That’s a big game, man!”
He then left the podium and went back to shaking hands.
United States survives a late Iranian challenge
Iran nearly drew a penalty in one of the final kicks of the United States' thrilling 1-0 victory.
Mehdi Taremi went down under pressure from Cameron Carter-Vickers but still pushed the ball through past U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner, as it rolled toward the U.S. goal before a last-moment clearance by Walker Zimmerman.
Iranian players and coaches screamed for a penalty to be called against Carter-Vickers for putting his hands on Taremi.
But officials ruled that contact wasn't enough for a whistle.
Final: United States 1, Iran 0
Christian Pulisic's goal late in the first half gave the United States a dramatic 1-0 victory over Iran in Qatar on Tuesday, sending America through to World Cup knockout action.
With this do-or-die win at Al Thumama Stadium in Al Khor, the United States finished in second place of Group B play with five points.
The Americans advanced to round-of-16 play and will play Group A winner Netherlands at 10 a.m. EST Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Reaching the round of 16 marked a huge achievement for the U.S. program, which failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Final: England 3, Wales 0
The Three Lions won Group B with a dominating second-half effort against the Dragons.
United States 9 minutes to advancing
Officials added 9 minutes of stoppage time as the United States held a tenuous 1-0 lead over Iran.
Only a victory would put America through to knockout play.
Should Iran score an equalizer in the next 9 minutes, the United States would be sent home short of the round of 16.
England well on its way to round of 16
Marcus Rashford scored his second goal of the match, as England took a 3-0 lead over Wales and had knockout play well within its grasp.
The Three Lions, the likely Group B champs, would play Sunday against Senegal in the round of 16.
Three Lions roar out of the halftime changing room: England leads Wales 2-0
Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden scored in the first six minutes of the second half as England took a commanding, 2-0, lead over Wales.
An England victory would lock up first place in Group B for the Three Lions.
Christian Pulisic out of the match
American goal scorer Christian Pulisic was substituted out of the match at halftime.
Pulisic fell hard into the Iranian goal after scoring to give the United Sates a 1-0 lead. He was briefly sidelined as the Americans played with 10 men in the moments after his goal.
The U.S. starter was taken out in favor of Brenden Aaronson.
Live standings: England leading Group B if current scores stand
With the United States leading, 1-0, and English scoreless against Wales at halftime, here are the live standings:
1. England — 5 points (+4 goal differential)
2. USA — 5 points (+1)
3. Iran — 3 points (-3)
3. Wales — 2 points (-2)
Tim Weah called offside wiping out a second possible goal
The United States was an inch away from taking a commanding two-goal lead into halftime, but Timothy Weah was ruled offside.
Weah, the Brooklyn-born son of Liberian President George Weah, appeared to kiss a shot off the inside of the post and score in first-half stoppage time.
But replays showed he was a knee ahead of an Iranian defender as Weston McKennie passed to him.
45 minutes to glory: Americans take 1-0 lead into dressing room
The United States headed into halftime with a 1-0 lead over Iran, as the Americans found themselves 45 minutes away from advancing to the World Cup's knockout round.
If this match ends in a U.S. victory, America would have five points and finish no worse than second place of Group B. First-place England and Wales were scoreless at halftime of the other Group B match.
The Americans have dominated play so far, with 54% possession compared to just 30% for Iran.
First blood: USA takes 1-0 lead
Christian Pulisic scored from close range in the 38th minute as the United States took a 1-0 lead over Iran.
Pulisic had to be helped off the field after crashing into the net as his American teammates played with 10 men moments after giving his squad the lead.
He converted a headed pass from Sergiño Dest to give America the crucial first goal.
Most Iranian players appeared to sing national anthem ahead of U.S. match
Almost all of of Iran's soccer players appeared to sing their national anthem ahead of the team's game against the United States.
Before their opener against England, Iranian players appeared to give a silent nod to anti-government human rights protesters back home by remaining silent during their anthem.
Players were criticized by Iranian officials and went back to singing the anthem ahead of their next match against Wales — even as fans inside the stadium booed and whistled.
One last reminder: How to watch USA play Iran in World Cup
The United States' must-win match against Iran starts at 2 p.m. ET and will be shown on Fox, in Spanish on Telemundo and streamed on Peacock.
The U.S. mission at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, is simple: Win and advance to the final 16. A loss or draw will send the Americans home.
The Americans come into this final match of Group B play with draws against England and Wales.
Iran has lost to England but beaten Wales, putting Team Melli in second place going into this crucial match.
