THE YANKS certainly needed some Dutch courage to get through this one.
And as a reward, this gutsy, young United States side get to take on Holland in the Last 16 – with Christian Pulisic back in the goals.
Their knock-out stage deciding clash with Iran was geared up as one of the most politically charged games at a World Cup since they last met back at France ’98.
On that occasion, 24 years ago, white roses were exchanged as a peace offering from Team Melli, and an iconic pre-match photo taken. For a brief moment, conflict was put aside.
And the build-up to this one was certainly a throwback to those relation-severing days.
Tense press conferences. Flag-defacing controversy. Verbal and online daggers tossed. There were even demands to have the other kicked out of the competition completely.
The atmosphere inside the Al Thumama Stadium was a stunning assault on the ears, and one of the best we have witnessed at Qatar so far.
The Iran end was reminiscent of the vuvuzelas of South Africa 2010. It really was non-stop for 90 minutes.
But thankfully, it was not – on the face of it – because of politics, flags or hate-fuelled wars. Instead, two nations, two sets of fans, just desperate to win a game of football.
History awaited both Iran and USA. The former hoping to qualify for the knock-outs for the first time.
Yet it was the latter who seized the moment thanks to Pulisic’s bundled-home finish on the brink of half time.
A deserving opener for their dominance, ensuring the Stars ‘n’ Stripes reached the Last 16 – alongside England – for a third successive time at a World Cup.
The task for Gregg Berhalter’s side to escape Group B was a simple one: win.
That was never going to be easy against this resolute Iran outfit, making their aggressive, ballsy, and at times mesmeric performance all the more impressive.
Carlos Queiroz can be proud of how his side battled until the end, especially considering the tragic unrest and danger his players’ own families and friends find themselves in back home.
But for all Iran’s late pressure to clinch the point they needed, the United States, as they have been throughout this group stage, were just too good.
Skipper Tyler Adams, who had been forced to respond to incensed Iranian journalists the day before, was a titan in midfield. Tim Ream, at 35 years of age, a colossus at the back.
Weston McKennie, sensational. And Pulisic – Captain America himself – looks to finally be stepping out of Chelsea’s shadow with his first goal at a World Cup finals.
Berhalter made a bold call to drop Walker Zimmerman for Cameron Carter-Vickers in defence, as well as bringing back Josh Sargent, after holding off the Three Lions.
Yet the changes were seamless. Yunus Musah’s early cross saw Pulisic test the returning keeper Alireza Beiranvand after his broken nose and concussion in the opener.
Yet it was McKennie who was pulling the strings from deep. His inch-perfect chip to Sergino Dest was cushioned across the six-yard box. Pulisic could not miss. The pressure finally paid off.
Had USA been more clinical, this game would have been out of sight at the break. Sargent and Tim Weah fluffed a quick break before Weah’s slotted finish was pulled back for offside.
Those wasted efforts encouraged Iran to throw the kitchen sink after the break, for the goal that would send them through.
The States, just like they did against Wales, dropped deeper and deeper to cling onto their lead.
A nervy ending saw a late penalty call after Carter-Vickers looked to have pulled back Mehdi Taremi was quickly waved away by ref Antonio Mateu Lahoz.
But the second youngest squad at this World Cup march onwards, daring to venture into territory not experienced since 2002 where they tasted the quarter finals.
A common theme of Berhalter’s messaging this tournament has been about embracing pressure and changing the globe’s perception of football across the pond.
Unlike previous generations, they are certainly doing that. Watch out, Oranjes.
