World Cup: Captain America sends Iran packing

IRAN just needed one point from a draw to go through, and it seemed they had set up to do exactly that, with little emphasis on attack or perhaps keeping it tight and relying on breakaways.

They did in fact create an early chance but were simply unable to prevent going behind when the USA skipper Christian Pulisic capped  off a super move as McKennie fed Dest on the right and he headed it across goal where Captain America bundled into the net at great personal cost.

He was injured in the process and, had this been Wimbledon, they would have been calling for new equipment.

To his credit, he fought the pain and recovered enough to return to the arena.

Skip the middle bits and fast forward to midway in the second half.

The USA were now intent on preserving their lead, giving Iran the space and motivation to attack more.

And they did so incessantly, creating a good number of chances that went nowhere.

It was a crazy last few minutes – plus the 10 added on – as Iran threw the kitchen sink at the Eagles, but no reward as the USA deservedly go through after a tough encounter they barely shaded.

I had said in the lead-up to the tournament that Pulisic has the ability to take the USA to great heights, and so it has proved.

I also predicted that England and the USA would be the teams promoted from Group B. I’m on a roll!

As for Iran, if they thought the World Cup was tough, I wonder what punishment they can expect when they return to the turmoil in their country?