IRAN round off their Group B campaign against USA and know that a victory will see them reach the knockout stages for the first time ever at the World Cup.
Carlos Queiroz’s men struck twice in stoppage-time to beat Wales and keep their density in their own hands.
They were expected to finish bottom, but just like in 2018 when they picked up four points from a group that included Spain and Portugal, they’re once again coming up with the goods.
Meanwhile, USA have been a mixed bag so far, showing some promising moments in their first two games, but not enough to get completely up and running.
Regardless of what happens in the other game between England and Wales, the winner here will be in the next round.
And SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Iran vs USA including our score prediction.
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How are they getting on?
Iran: Queiroz’s men looked like being the whipping boys of the group when they were thumped 6-2 by England.
But they improved dramatically against Wales and while they needed two late goals, they fully deserved the win.
Read the full Iran vs Wales match report…
USA: The States were bright in their first half against Wales and then underwhelming in the second, which meant a draw was about right.
Against improved opposition in England, they restricted the Three Lions to almost no clear-cut chances and on another day could have snatched the points.
Read the full England vs USA match report…
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Any injuries to worry about?
Iran: Alireza Beiranvand came off against England following a nasty clash of heads and concussion protocols could see him miss out once again.
That should allow Hossein Hosseini to keep his place in the starting XI.
USA: Gregg Berhalter has no injury concerns.
Who will be the star men?
Iran: Mehdi Tameri scored twice against England, including an excellent finish for the first, so he’s likely to provide their main goal threat.
USA: Christian Pulisic is the obvious danger man, although he’s yet to hit top form so far.
The Chelsea man has looked capable in both games though, and was inches away from scoring a belter against England.
Permutations
Iran will guarantee their place in the round of 16 with a victory and could remarkably win the group if that happens and England fail to beat Wales.
Iran could also get through with a draw if Wales don’t beat England, but they will be OUT if they lose.
USA have to win to stand any chance of finishing in the top two and will qualify if they beat Iran.
Winning and England losing to Wales will see them win Group B.
What’s the head-to-head?
The two sides have only met three times in their history.
The most recent was almost 23 years ago in a friendly back in January 2000, which ended 1-1.
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Their only other meeting was at the 1998 World Cup when Iran ran out 2-1 winners.
SunSport prediction
Iran 1 USA 2
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
