US beat Iran in politically charged match

Christian Pulisic gave his body for his country, scoring the goal that advanced the US in the World Cup while crashing into the goalkeeper, according to The Associated Press.

Pulisic’s 38th-minute goal lifted the US over Iran 1-0 in a politically charged rematch of their famous meeting a quarter-century ago. The American star was replaced at the start of the second half and taken to a hospital with dizziness and to receive an abdominal scan.

“He was taken to the hospital, I think as a precaution,” said US coach Gregg Berhalter.

“He was feeling some dizziness. It was an abdominal wound, but below his abdomen.”

Pulisic scored and was sprawled on the field and lying in the goal for about three minutes as he received treatment from the US staff.

He tried to continue playing but was substituted and later taken to the hospital, and Berhalter said Pulisic was injured when he was taken out of the game.

“I think that’s the American spirit, the way this group plays, and I think people will appreciate that,” Berhalter said.

Back in the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, the US opened with draws against Wales and England and needed a victory to reach the round of 16.

The Americans finished second in Group B with five points, two behind England, and will play the Netherlands on Saturday with the chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

“I always say it’s us against the world,” forward Tim Weah said. “No one believed the US could play good football.”

Iran finished third with three points.

The team has failed to advance in all six of its World Cup appearances.

“The dream is over with this result,” Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said.

“The US started the game much better than us, more quick with better control of the game.”

There was heightened tension surrounding the match because of the strained relations between the US and Iran’s Islamic government. Iran had famously upset the US 2-1 in the 1998 tournament in France, eliminating the Americans.

Pregame protocols were normal, unlike the 1998 game, when Iranians presented the Americans with white flowers and the teams posed for a joint photo.

Raucous Iranian fans with horns and drums in the crowd of 42,127 filled the lower bowl behind one goal at Al-Thumama Stadium and were far louder than the red-white-and-blue US supporters at the other end and behind the American bench.