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☆ Political bad blood between U.S. and Iran dominates run-up to World Cup showdown
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Dan De Luce | Dan De Luce Is A Reporter For The Nbc News Investigative Unit. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

The politics of anti-regime protests are dominating the run-up to a World Cup showdown between the U.S. and Iran, with coaches and players fielding politically charged questions before Tuesday’s match. I’m a soccer coach.” He also was asked for his thoughts about the U.S. military’s presence in the Persian Gulf. The protests at home have followed Iran’s soccer team throughout the World Cup, which began Nov. 20 in Qatar. At some of the games, Qatari police have confiscated T-shirts or signs supporting the protests in Iran. More recently, a prominent former soccer player in Iran, Voria Ghafouri, was arrested after he endorsed the protests, according to Iranian state-linked media.

☆ USMNT advances to World Cup knockout stage with hard-fought victory over Iran
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) was made to work hard for its place in the World Cup knockout stage, earning a tough 1-0 win over Iran in a nerve-racking Group B decider at Qatar 2022. Christian Pulisic’s first-half goal was all that separated the two sides as the USMNT reached the round of 16 for the first time since 2014. It certainly wasn’t pretty at times, in particular in the closing stages against Iran, but progressing through the group stage was the minimum expectation for this exciting young team. There will be some concerns going into the knockout stages, though, after Pulisic suffered an abdominal injury while scoring the winner. The USMNT had to battled hard for its place in the round of 16.

☆ Sargent replaces Wright for U.S., Iran's Beiranvand back in goal
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter recalled Josh Sargent to his starting lineup for Tuesday's Group B showdown against Iran, who were boosted by the return of first-choice goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand after his recovery from concussion. Sargent, who started the Americans' opener against Wales, was dropped for Friday's match against England but has regained his spot from Haji Wright up front, while centre back Cameron Carter-Vickers replaces Walker Zimmerman. Beiranvand was the only change to the Iran side that stunned Wales 2-0 after the concussion and broken nose he sustained against England last week. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz kept faith up front in Sardar Azmoun for a second straight match, with the forward having not started in their opener, as well as Ramin Rezaeian, scorer of one of Iran's two late goals against Wales. Iran: Alireza Beiranvand, Ehsan Hajsafi, Milad Mohammadi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Morteza Pouraliganji, Mehdi Taremi, Ali Gholizadeh, Majid Hosseini, Sardar Azmoun, Ahmad Nourollahi, Ramin RezaeianUnited States: Matt Turner, Sergino Dest, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Tim Weah, Josh SargentReporting by Hritika Sharma; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.S. lauds wounded hero Pulisic for getting them into last 16
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Martin Petty | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But he could not even celebrate the goal as he had injured himself following a collision with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. The United States join Group B rival England in advancing to the round of 16, fielding what was the national team's youngest ever starting 11 in a must-win match against a physically tough Iran side. Going back, him not qualifying for the last World Cup and then being here and qualifying us through that's the work of God and I love him. "He's so important to this team, he's a key player, a leader and someone that we definitely need." Reporting by Martin Petty, Additional reporting by Rory Carroll; editing by Pritha Sarkar/Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

CNN —US Men’s National Team (USMNT) forward Christian Pulisic has been taken to hospital due to an abdominal injury he suffered while scoring the game-winning goal for the United States in its crucial 1-0 win over Iran. During post-match coverage, FOX Sports broadcaster Rob Stone provided an update on the condition of Pulisic, saying: “An update on his condition. Pulisic lay injured on the pitch after scoring his side's opening goal and only goal during the match against Iran. Pulisic soon re-entered the pitch, but was clearly still struggling with the knock. As Group B runners-up, the United States will face Group A winners Netherlands on Saturday.

☆ Pulisic sends fired-up U.S. to last 16 in simmering contest with Iran
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Pulisic's 38th minute goal proved enough for the Americans to advance at the expense of their geopolitical rivals in an eagerly awaited rematch of their 1998 World Cup group stage meeting, which Iran had won 2-1. "But it's a wonderful thing when one of your best players is also one of the most hard working. The Americans finished two points behind Group B winners England to reach the last 16 for the fifth time since 1994. Second half we showed what we could do determination wise. Iran only needed a point to advance but they were largely restricted to playing on the counter and unable to muster a credible attempt at scoring until the second half.

☆ U.S. Coach Apologizes for Iranian Flag Post, But Denies Involvement
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Joshua Robinson | Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Qatar—A day after the U.S. Soccer Federation deleted a social media post with an altered version of the Iranian flag ahead of their crucial World Cup clash, American coach Gregg Berhalter apologized on behalf of the players and staff for causing offense—even though he said they had no advance knowledge of the federation’s plans. “We had no idea about what U.S. Soccer put out. The staff, the players, we had no idea,” Berhalter said Monday. “All we can do is apologize on behalf of the players and the staff. But it’s not something that we were a part of.”

☆ U.S. Coach Apologizes for Iranian Flag Post, but Denies Involvement
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Joshua Robinson | Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

☆ Iran faces USA in winner-takes-all match to progress to World Cup knockout stages
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —The knockout stage has already arrived for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) at the World Cup – nothing less than a win on Tuesday will suffice when it takes on Iran in a winner-takes-all match. In the build-up to the game, Iran state media called for the US to be kicked out of the 2022 World Cup after US Soccer changed Iran’s flag on its social media accounts to show support for the protestors in Iran. In the other Group B match, England looks to seal its almost certain place in the knockout stages against Wales. If England defeats Wales, the USMNT would qualify in second place in the group providing it beats Iran; while if England loses, the USMNT would finish first. Tuesday’s fixturesNetherlands vs Qatar: 10pm ETEcuador vs Senegal: 10pm ETWales vs England: 2pm ETIran vs USA: 2pm ETHow to watchUS: Fox SportsUK: BBC or ITVAustralia: SBSBrazil: SportTVGermany: ARD, ZDF, Deutsche TelekomCanada: Bell MediaSouth Africa: SABC

☆ Diplomatic foes Iran and U.S. clash in winner-takes-all contest
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Ties have been strained in recent years when then-President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of an Iran nuclear deal. The United States killed a top Iranian general in 2020 and Tehran responded with missile strikes at U.S. forces based in Iraq. The eagerly awaited meeting is a rematch of the 1998 World Cup group stage contest, dubbed the "mother of all games", which Iran won 2-1. Overshadowing Iran's World Cup build-up this year has been civil unrest at home over the September death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, arrested for flouting the country's strict Islamic dress code. They sang quietly on Friday at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, where boos and jeers were heard from Iran supporters.

☆ How the U.S. Beat, Drew and Lost to England On the Same Day
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter and his players after Friday’s draw with England, a result that was open to wide interpretation. AL KHOR, Qatar—Yunus Musah and Tim Ream played on the same side in the same game. But after their U.S. team drew with England in a hotly anticipated World Cup showdown on Friday, it sounded like they experienced entirely different affairs. Musah beamed about the potential long-term impact from standing toe-to-toe with one of the tournament’s favorites. He thought the Americans should have won.

The United States and England fought to a goal-less draw in Qatar on Friday night, as America kept hope alive for advancing to World Cup knockout action. A well organized U.S. team pressed well and frustrated England and could feel disappointed in the end after creating the better chances in the game. Then the United States escaped with a 1-1 draw against the Three Lions, in South Africa, in 2010. That point proved crucial to the United States in 2010, as Landon Donovan scored a famous stoppage-time winner in his team's final group match against Algeria. The U.S. match against Iran is set to kickoff at Tuesday at 2 p.m. EST at Al-Thumama Stadium.

☆ US remains unbeaten against England at World Cups after goalless draw in Qatar
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar CNN —It may have only been a goalless draw but Friday’s result at Qatar 2022 spoke volumes as to where this US Men’s National Team (USMNT) is going. Facing an England team full of superstars that reached the European Championship final last year is no easy task, but the Americans looked more than at home. But any annoyance shouldn’t last too long with the USMNT still unbeaten against England at World Cups. Christian Pulisic saw his effort crash off the crossbar as England struggled to cope with the American’s intensity. It felt reminiscent of the USMNT’s previous match against Wales when it started in brilliant form.

☆ Kane leads unchanged England, striker Wright in for U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Captain Harry Kane will lead England in their second match at the World Cup in Qatar against the United States on Friday after he recovered from a minor ankle injury earlier this week in an unchanged lineup for the Three Lions. England manager Gareth Southgate kept the side that beat Iran 6-2 on Monday and retained Harry Maguire - who was substituted after feeling ill in that match - at the centre of defence. U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter made one change from the side which drew 1-1 with Wales in the Americans' opening match, giving a start to striker Haji Wright in place of Josh Sargent who led the attack on Monday. Wright, who plays for Turkish side Antalyaspor and has four caps for the United States, came on as substitute in the Wales game. England: Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Raheem SterlingUnited States: Matt Turner, Sergino Dest, Walker Zimmerman, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Haji Wright, Tim WeahWriting by William Schomberg; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Clinical edge crucial for U.S. to reach last 16, says Berhalter
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Berhalter's side are third in Group B with two points and would go through to the last 16 for the fifth time since 1994 with a win over Iran in their final group game on Tuesday. I'm overall pleased with the performance of the group, most importantly the belief of this group because that never wavered," Berhalter told reporters. In the end, it sets up our first knockout game of this World Cup and that's going to be a focus of ours. "We played with a ton of spirit but we're going to have to be up for it (against Iran). We want a chance to advance... We know it's going to be a difficult game, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

☆ England suffer reality check in 0-0 draw with U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

AL KHOR, Qatar, Nov 25 (Reuters) - England suffered a sobering reality check as they were outplayed for long periods by a youthful United States side in a tense 0-0 draw in their second World Cup Group B game on Friday. A 6-2 thrashing of Iran on Monday sent fans' hopes soaring but Gareth Southgate's side were fortunate not to suffer a repeat of their 1950 World Cup calamity against the Americans. England captain Harry Kane sent a late header wide that would have given England a first World Cup win over the U.S. at the third attempt but it would have been a travesty. "Wasn't the best performance for sure," Kane, who remains two behind Wayne Rooney's England record 53 goals, said. Haji Wright, the only change to Gregg Berhalter's line-up from the opening draw with Wales, headed wide and England had a huge let-off when McKennie half-volleyed over.

☆ Thanksgiving football could include tasty U.S. soccer treat
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

No, not that football, although Berhalter and his men who take on England in a tasty Group B clash on Friday hope that one day soccer might find a place at the table. For the moment Thanksgiving football belongs to American gridiron and the National Football League with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions in action. "These are the games where it's a high pressure privileged moment to step on the field against some of these guys. "When you get a result in a game like this people start to respect Americans a little bit more." Reporting by Steve Keating in Al Rayyan; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ America’s World Cup Hopes Depend on Gen Z
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Andrew Beaton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

After an infamous loss to Trinidad and Tobago caused the U.S. Men’s National Team to miss the 2018 World Cup, new coach Gregg Berhalter landed in the job with a surprising plan. He didn’t turn to trusted veterans in a bid to steady the ship. As he prepared for the next spin through World Cup qualifying, he did the exact opposite. No team heading to Qatar relied on a younger set of players to get there than the Americans. Most didn’t have the scars of past U.S. embarrassments, simply because they hadn’t even been part of the national team yet.

☆ Halftime switch helps Wales snatch U.S. draw with late Bale penalty
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Wales picked up their first point at the World Cup since their last appearance in 1958. Instead Bale and Dan James alternated down the middle with little joy and whenever they cleared the ball it came straight back. Wales were able to apply pressure and went close twice in quick succession. "You are going to have a little bit of nerves, but I am confident in my own ability," Bale said. U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said Wales' switch to a more direct style after halftime was difficult for his side to contain.

☆ Gareth Bale saves Wales to frustrate USMNT
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Matthew Ashton/AMA/Getty Images Walker Zimmerman fouls Wales' Gareth Bale in the box, conceding a second-half penalty that Bale would convert to tie the match at 1-1. Pedro Nunes/Reuters US fans stand for the national anthem prior to the Wales match. Stu Forster/Getty Images Wales' Neco Williams tries to fend off Weston McKennie on Monday. Francisco Seco/AP A family watches the opening match from their home in Doha. But just as all hope looked to have disappeared for Wales, Bale was clumsily brought down by Walker Zimmerman in the US box.

☆ Biden calls USMNT to wish them luck before their first World Cup match in 8 years: 'Coach, put me in — I'm ready to play'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( John Haltiwanger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Biden called the USMNT to offer the squad support before its first World Cup game against Wales. "Coach, put me in — I'm ready to play," Biden said. "Coach, put me in — I'm ready to play," Biden jokingly said to coach Gregg Berhalter. "Best of luck to @USMNT at the World Cup! Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 21, 2022After playing Wales on Monday, the USMNT is set to take on England on Friday.

☆ USMNT vs. Wales: Can the golden generation shine on the world stage?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —When the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) walks onto the pitch in Qatar on Monday, it will be appearing at a men’s World Cup for the first time since 2014. Gregg Berhalter was part of the US team that reached the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup. Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesJust one player, defender DeAndre Yedlin, has prior World Cup experience. Carl Recine/ReutersThe USMNT will face Wales first, playing in its first World Cup since 1958. The USMNT drew 1-1 with England in the 2010 World Cup.

☆ Adams feels honoured to captain U.S. at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Hritika Sharma | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The responsibility has rotated between multiple players throughout Berhalter's tenure, with Adams, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Walker Zimmerman all having held the role since the start of World Cup qualifying. "We're proud to announce Tyler as the captain for the World Cup. "For the last three and a half years we've been working with the leadership council... and they thought it'd be better to have a captain named for the World Cup. Adams has captained the side nine times in his 32 caps and wore the armband in seven of his 12 appearances during World Cup qualifying. He will be the youngest American captain at a World Cup since Walter Bahr in 1950.

☆ 'It's not safe and it's not right.' Qatar says all are welcome to the World Cup but some LGBTQ fans are staying away
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-19 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Visitors gather at the FIFA World Cup countdown clock in Doha on October 30, 2022. But Minden told CNN: “It’s not safe and it’s not right.”‘Everyone is welcome to Qatar’A Qatar government official told CNN in a statement that the World Cup host was an inclusive country. It doesn’t sit right with me.”Qatar isn’t the first controversial host of a big sporting event, or even a FIFA World Cup. Wales is one of eight participating European countries at the World Cup supporting the initiative. The World Cup, like the Olympics, puts the host country under a global spotlight.

☆ Rainbow-themed badge adorns U.S. training facility at Qatar World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Organisers of the World Cup, which is the first to be held in a Middle Eastern nation, say that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome, while also warning against public displays of affection. Soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup, especially LGBTQ individuals and women, whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against. The rainbow badge, which will not be worn by the team during World Cup games, has been routinely displayed by U.S. Soccer no matter the occasion as a way to promote a spirit of inclusivity. "Our rainbow badge has an important and consistent role in the identity of U.S. Soccer," U.S. Soccer spokesman Neil Buethe said in an email to Reuters. "As a result, locations that we will manage and operate at the FIFA World Cup, such as the team hotel, media areas and parties, will feature both traditional and rainbow U.S. Soccer branding."

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