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Praise from Biden, honking concerts in Tehran: USA defeats Iran 1-0 – England also advances

The politically highly explosive match was eagerly awaited: Iran vs USA. The young US team managed to beat Iran 1:0 and are now in second place in Group B.

Former Bundesliga professional Christian Pulisic’s 38th-minute goal sent the USA into the last 16, which the Americans last reached in 2014. The US team will face the Netherlands in the opening round of the knockout stage on Saturday.

Scorer Pulisic injured

It is unclear whether goal scorer Pulisic will be able to play. He collided with Iran’s goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand and was treated on the pitch for several minutes afterwards. He continued to play until the break, but was substituted at half-time.

After the match, Pulisic was taken to hospital. A spokesman for the US Football Association confirmed to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that he was being examined on his stomach.

Protest and gloating in Tehran

There were sporadic reactions in the Iranian capital Tehran after the World Cup defeat against the USA. Car drivers expressed their gloating. In crowded squares on Wednesday night, people shouted, for example, “I guess your national team didn’t make it”. They were alluding to the high political and sporting expectations of Team Melli.

Video shows people Dezfuli in Khuzestan province took to the streets on Wednesday morning after Iran’s defeat to the US, honking their horns as a sign of joy.

The players were under intense pressure in the face of nationwide protests by the domestic football federation. Politicians had hoped for a victory against the arch-enemy USA and thus backing in domestic politics. Iran’s leadership had exerted a lot of political pressure before the match, a sports journalist in Tehran explained.

England unbeaten in round of 16

At the same time as the Iran vs USA match, England played Wales and beat their British rivals 3-0. Marcus Rashford (50th minute/68th) and Phil Foden (51st) scored twice in quick succession to give the Three Lions a deserved victory in front of 44,297 spectators. England will now face Senegal in the first knockout round on Sunday (20.00).

The Welsh side, with star striker Gareth Bale substituted at half-time, bowed out of their much-awaited first World Cup since 1958 with one point and just one goal after three preliminary round matches.

The Netherlands also punched their ticket to the last 16 – the 11th time in team history they have topped Group A with a 2-0 win over hosts Qatar. Senegal also advanced a round in a thrilling match at the Khalifa Stadium. The Lions from Teranga, who were without superstar Sadio Mane, edged out Ecuador 2-1. After Moises Caicedo’s equaliser, Kalidou Koulibaly sealed African champions Senegal’s place in the last 16.

By Thomas