The United States advanced to the knockout round of the World Cup with a nail biting 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday.
Christian Pulisic scored while crashing headfirst into the goalkeeper in the 38th minute in a politically charged rematch of their famous meeting a quarter-century ago.
Pulisic sprawled on the field and was lying in the goal for about three minutes as he received treatment from the U.S. staff. He re-entered the game but was replaced at the start of the second half.
Back in the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, the U.S. opened with draws against Wales and England and needed a victory to move on to the round of 16. Iran finished third with three points. The team has failed to advance in all six of its World Cup appearances.
The U.S. outshot Iran 9-0 in the first half but didn't break through until Pulisic came up with the big moment that a growing and increasingly demanding fan base back home had been pining for.
"I always say it's us against the world," forward Tim Weah said. "No one believed the U.S. could play good football."
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Soccer fans fill a World Cup watch party at The Crossing at East Cut in San Francisco, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, as the United States defeats Iran, 1-0. (Photo: Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Christian Pulisic of the United States scores the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match against Iran at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo: Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Anthony Mendoza and Shaun Ryan watch the final torturous moments of the United States' tense 1-0 World Cup victory over Iran, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at an outdoor watch party at The Crossing at East Cut in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo: Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Matt Turner of the United States celebrates after the team's first goal by Christian Pulisic vs. Iran during their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Jason Purdy, of Alameda, left, and Kevin Sweeney, of Oakland, celebrate the United States men's national team's 1-0 victory over Iran during a World Cup watch party at The Athletic Club Oakland in downtown Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. (Photo: Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Deepa Patel, of San Bruno, watches the United States men's national team World Cup match against Iran at The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. (Photo: Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Taz Cole watches a broadcast of the United States soccer team playing Iran in a World Cup soccer match, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, during an outdoor watch party at The Crossing at East Cut in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo: Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Patrons watch the United States men's national team's match against Iran during a World Cup watch party at The Athletic Club Oakland in downtown Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The U.S. beat Iran 1-0. (Photo: Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Roozbeh Cheshmi of Iran is fouled by Timothy Weah of the United States during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between at Al Thumama Stadium on Nov. 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Gabe Abatecola, of San Jose, watches the final minutes of the United States men's national team World Cup match against Iran at The Old Wagon Saloon & Grill in downtown San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. (Photo: Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
The Athletic Club Oakland is adorned with flag as they host a World Cup watch party of the United States men's national team's match against Iran in downtown Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The U.S. beat Iran 1-0. (Photo: Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Jason Purdy, of Alameda, left, reacts as he watches the United States men's national team's match against Iran during a World Cup watch party at The Athletic Club Oakland in downtown Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The U.S. beat Iran 1-0. (Photo: Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Jeremy and Monica Becker cheer with their son Atticus during the final moments of the United States' tense 1-0 World Cup soccer victory over Iran, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at an outdoor watch party at The Crossing at East Cut in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo: Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Tyler Crosby-Jolliffe, of Oakland, center, reacts while watching the United States men's national team's match against Iran during a World Cup watch party at The Athletic Club Oakland in downtown Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The U.S. beat Iran 1-0. (Photo: Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Taz Cole cheers on the United States soccer team during its World Cup match with Iran, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at an outdoor watch party at The Crossing at East Cut in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo: Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Patrons watch the United States men's national team's match against Iran during a World Cup watch party at The Athletic Club Oakland in downtown Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. The U.S. beat Iran 1-0. (Photo: Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
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