There's only one spot on the knockout stage for Iran and the USA, who will have a football match that is inevitably being watched through the prism of politics. It looks like a real battle for survival.
Where: Al Thumama Stadium in Al Thumama, Qatar
When: Tuesday, November 29 at 10 pm (19:00 GMT)
Fifa rankings: Iran (20), USA (16)
The two teams have locked horns twice throughout all competitions. Their first-ever encounter happened in the 1998 World Cup group stage and they faced together again in a friendly match in 2000. Now, they have been drawn together again in the group stage and the political divide remains there - and if anything, it's more entrenched. Iran and the USA can't meet an agreement on a nuclear deal, leaving the former under the latter's sanctions. Anti-government protests in Iran have attracted global attention and the condemnation of the US government. The Iranians accuse the Americans of being among those behind the protest.
Barring what could be a surprise win for Wales in their game against England, the USA must win to secure a place in the knock-out stages, while Iran only needs a draw. That put Iran's boss Carlos Queiroz in a bind. Play to his own defensive instincts, and go for the draw, while gambling on the English preventing a loss? Or play to Iran’s attacking strengths, with star strikers Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi up top? Both of them can be deadly right now. Taremi already gains two goals in the World Cup and has scored five goals in five games for his club, FC Porto, in the Champions League this season. Americans can be happy after a draw against England, but they are clearly in a more deadly situation than Iran.
Star man Azmoun is a suspicion for Team Melli after visibly struggling throughout his 68 minutes on the pitch against Wales, although Queiroz may risk the forwarder from the beginning on Tuesday considering how much quality he adds to the side.
Alireza Beiranvand sat out of the Wales clash because of concussion protocol after a nasty head injury in Iran's first match of the World Cup with England, but the 30-year-old is available to return in this vital fixture if Queiroz chooses to drop Hossein Hosseini, who held a clean sheet on Friday.
USA
Haji Wright replaced Josh Sargent in the USA starting XI against England in the only adjustment from the Wales game, with the striker position for the Americans yet to see a consistent occupier as Berhalter attempts to uncover his side's clinical touch.
Leeds United's Brenden Aaronson has played his part off the bench in the last 2 games and looks set for the same role on Tuesday with a midfield trio of Adams, McKennie, and Yunus Musah engraving massively so far in this World Cup.
The USA wins: 0
Draws: 1
Iran goals: 3
The USA goals: 2
Where: Al Thumama Stadium in Al Thumama, Qatar
When: Tuesday, November 29 at 10 pm (19:00 GMT)
Fifa rankings: Iran (20), USA (16)
Match Preview
The USA's national team is undefeated in their two games so far, having a 1-1 draw against Wales in their World Cup opener and holding the step of England in a goalless draw on Saturday. Meanwhile, Iran received a 6-2 hammering at the hand of England in their campaign opener but bounced back with an amazing victory over Wales. The qualification race is wide open in Group B, with first-placed England leading ahead by just 3 points from the bottom Wales. Another draw will leave the USA into the airport, but Iran will be glad about that result.The two teams have locked horns twice throughout all competitions. Their first-ever encounter happened in the 1998 World Cup group stage and they faced together again in a friendly match in 2000. Now, they have been drawn together again in the group stage and the political divide remains there - and if anything, it's more entrenched. Iran and the USA can't meet an agreement on a nuclear deal, leaving the former under the latter's sanctions. Anti-government protests in Iran have attracted global attention and the condemnation of the US government. The Iranians accuse the Americans of being among those behind the protest.
Barring what could be a surprise win for Wales in their game against England, the USA must win to secure a place in the knock-out stages, while Iran only needs a draw. That put Iran's boss Carlos Queiroz in a bind. Play to his own defensive instincts, and go for the draw, while gambling on the English preventing a loss? Or play to Iran’s attacking strengths, with star strikers Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi up top? Both of them can be deadly right now. Taremi already gains two goals in the World Cup and has scored five goals in five games for his club, FC Porto, in the Champions League this season. Americans can be happy after a draw against England, but they are clearly in a more deadly situation than Iran.
Team News
Iran
Source: tasnimnews
Star man Azmoun is a suspicion for Team Melli after visibly struggling throughout his 68 minutes on the pitch against Wales, although Queiroz may risk the forwarder from the beginning on Tuesday considering how much quality he adds to the side.
Alireza Beiranvand sat out of the Wales clash because of concussion protocol after a nasty head injury in Iran's first match of the World Cup with England, but the 30-year-old is available to return in this vital fixture if Queiroz chooses to drop Hossein Hosseini, who held a clean sheet on Friday.
USA
Source: sbisoccer
Haji Wright replaced Josh Sargent in the USA starting XI against England in the only adjustment from the Wales game, with the striker position for the Americans yet to see a consistent occupier as Berhalter attempts to uncover his side's clinical touch.
Leeds United's Brenden Aaronson has played his part off the bench in the last 2 games and looks set for the same role on Tuesday with a midfield trio of Adams, McKennie, and Yunus Musah engraving massively so far in this World Cup.
Iran Vs. USA Head-To-Head Record
Iran wins: 1The USA wins: 0
Draws: 1
Iran goals: 3
The USA goals: 2
Iran World Cup form:
- L W
Iran form (all competitions):
- W D W L L W
The USA World Cup form:
- D D
- W D L D D D
Source: theanalyst
Iran's Possible Starting Lineup:
H Hosseini; Rezaeian, M Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Mohammadi; Ali Gholizadeh, Nourollahi, Ezatolahi, Hajsafi; Taremi, Azmoun
USA's Possible Starting Lineup:
Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Pulisic, Weah, Wright