Players of Iran celebrate after the Group B match between Wales and Iran at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
The United States and Iran meet in a winner-takes-all World Cup clash on Tuesday, as a win sends one side through to the round of 16 and the other packing.
TEHRAN, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran and the U.S. clash in their last group-stage match of the World Cup at the Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday, as a win sends one side through to the round of 16 and the other packing.
The Asian heavyweight is resolved to advance to the knockout stage for the first time and prove that its 1998 World Cup win against the U.S. was not a fluke. And the Americans seek revenge for the narrow defeat and a fairytale journey in the world's most prestigious sporting event.
Sitting second with three points, Iran has the upper hand and will also find its way to the final 16 with a draw if Wales fails to defeat England, while the stalemate means the end of the World Cup for the Americans.
This is an advantage for Iran, as the Americans are expected to play attacking football and consequently take some defensive liberties, letting Iran capitalize on swift counterattacks and find the net through its lethal striker Mehdi Taremi.
Talking to reporters on Sunday, U.S. center back Walker Zimmerman said: "We're coming out aggressive, and we're going to make sure that we try to get on front foot to get some chances."
In the meantime, the U.S. has yet to find the finishing touch, scoring just once - against Wales - in its two games.
However, there is no room for complacency and experts said Iran should not underestimate the Americans.
Saeid Maraghechian, a former player of Iran and Tehran-based club Esteghlal, told Mizan news agency: "Iran needs to make a detailed analysis of the U.S. and detect its weak and strong points."
He warned the Iranian players against "underestimating" the Americans, continuing, "The U.S. had a brilliant performance in the clash with England and is now fully prepared for its confrontation with Iran."
Jalal Cheraghpour, another Iranian expert, said the trademark tactical approach of Iran manager Carlos Queiroz will now work.
"We should not adopt an all-out offensive strategy," he cautioned.
"The U.S. has no alternative but to make an attacking game plan that will disorganize its defensive structure and help Iran be on target in counterattacks." ■
