Iran vs United States

History beckons for Iran as they lock horns with the United States in a high-stakes 2022 World Cup Group B showdown at Al Thumama Stadium, with a place in the knockout stages on the line.

Not dismayed by a humiliating 6-2 defeat at the hands of England in their Group B curtain-raiser, Iran took full advantage of being a man up to beat Wales 2-0 last time out, courtesy of a late show. A quick-fire double in 90th-minute stoppage time earned them a first-ever World Cup win over European opposition. Carlos Queiroz’s men hold the aces here as they have to avoid defeat to make a historic achievement and qualify for the World Cup knockouts for the first time, provided Wales fail to beat England in the other Group B contest. If you’re looking for an omen, Iran’s first-ever victory at the World Cup finals came at the expense of non-other than the United States in 1998, bolstering the confidence in the ‘Team Melli‘ camp ahead of this crunch fixture.

On the other hand, the United States will come to regret a dismal 1-1 draw with Wales on the opening matchday unless they pick up three points here. Despite holding England to a heroic goalless draw in round two, only victory will do for the ‘USMNT’ if they to progress into the knockouts, as they’ve done in their last two World Cup appearances. However, the nominal visitors have racked up just two triumphs in their 14 previous World Cup outings (D6, L6) and are not in a good mood coming into this encounter. Since beating sub-par Grenada in June, Gregg Berhalter’s men have gone winless in five straight games (D4, L1), netting a mere two goals in that span. On top of that, they’ve failed to win any of their two previous meetings with Iran (D1, L1).