Christian Pulisic scored the only goal as an attacking USA beat Iran 1-0 in a must-win game on Tuesday to proceed to the round-of 16 from Group B. In the other match, England beat Wales 3-0 to seal the top spot in the group, as England and USA entered the round-of 16.

England will play Senegal; while USA will face Netherlands in the round-of 16, which is the knock-out stage.

Coming off on a victory over Wales and requiring just a draw to proceed further (unless Wales beat England by a huge margin), Iran appeared to be happy with staying deep and defending the US attacking moves. They committed very few players upfront, and seemed to be conserving their play and energy for a second half assault.

USA made many forays into the Iranian goalmouth but with little teeth as USA sorely missed a centre-forward.

They finally got the breakthrough though a Christian Pulisic goal in the 39th minute of the match.

McKennie played a key long ball pass to Gergino Dest to the right, who headed in a cross which was turned in by Pulisic.

Christian Pulisic’s goal gives #USA the lead at the break 👊#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022

Pulisic, after making the shot, rammed into Iranian keeper and appeared to hurt himself quite badly. However, he re-joined the match but was in visible discomfort.

USA nearly doubled their lead before the half time, but Weah’s shot into the net was ruled offside.

After falling behind in the match and points table, Iran started to commit more players upfront, but could not find a breakthrough. In extra time, Iranian defender Pouraliganji nearly found the equaliser with a diving header but it went just wide of the right post.

USA held on to the lead to earn a great victory.

A young, energetic and faster USA team had more chances in the match with 12 shots to the goal with five on target; while Iran could get only only one shot on target.

In the other match, England had a comfortable 3-0 win over Wales, to ruin Wales’ campaign in their first world cup in 64 years.

England had made significant changes to its team following the draw against Wales.

Raheem Sterling, who looked out of sorts in the first two matches was replaced by Marcus Rashford, who appears to be in top form for club and country.

Rashford did not disappoint as he scored two goals.

The other change was Phil Foden and Jordan Henderson starting in the playing eleven. Phil Foden also scored a goal in his first start of the tournament.

Marcus Rashford opened the scoring by curling in a brilliant free kick to the top of the far corner, to score the first free-kick goal of the tournament.

England went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Marcus Rashford, take a bow. pic.twitter.com/LiOLXqQaQB

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022

After the break, Phil Foden doubled England’s lead by driving in a low shot from close range off a Harry Kane cross.

Marcus Rashford continued his brilliant run by scoring his second goal of the match and third goal of the tournament in the 68th minute when he received a long ball from the English backline, drove into the penalty area and sent a left shot into the net.

Wales could do little to come back, and England had a comfortable victory.