2022 Men's World Cup: 6 Takeaways from the USMNT's Win vs. Iran

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The United States men's national team advanced to the round of 16 with a win against Iran.

The USMNT took care of business by scoring in the 38th minute of the game against Iran.

The US held on to that lead for 52 minutes.

The Stars and Stripes saw the game through thanks to a tactical switch to a back five.

The USMNT defeated Iran.

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The wide channels were the main offensive threat for the USMNT.

The U.S. was forced out wide by Iran. The Americans were able to take advantage of the tacticalwrinkle and started attacking.

Sergio Dest was an important part of the offensive progression.

Dest had a really good game. The back of Iran's heels was kept by his passing, dribbling and eye for passes.

Opta Analyst US @OptaAnalystUS

Sergiño Dest completed 27 of 28 first-half passes, including his first 26, and No. 26 was the most important on a headed assist to Christian Pulisic.

He was also tied with Tyler Adams for the team lead in touches (53) as the #USMNT attacked up the right. pic.twitter.com/hJpulPTByb

Another outstanding game was played by Robinson. The left flank has a work rate that gives the forward line freedom to roam.

He had 70 touches, 60 percent accuracy on his long balls and nine recoveries.

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Heading into their round-of-16 match against the Netherlands, the biggest concern for the Americans is the status of Christian Pulisic.

He was hit in the abdomen with a nasty knock during his goal.

It did not look good.

He was taken off at the half because he was tired.

He was confident he'd be able to play on Saturday.

Doug McIntyre @ByDougMcIntyre

Weston McKennie tells reporters that Christian Pulisic told his team on FaceTime that “you best believe” he’ll be ready to play against the Netherlands on Saturday. #USMNT

There are two options off the bench if he can't play.

If he fit his role, he would. The left-wing position would be different with each of the players.

He likes to find space in between defenders and try to score. They are capable of doing the same thing.

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Iran came into the game with a plan to break on the counter.

The high line was not a problem for the U.S., as the players were fast and physical.

They excelled.

The U.S. won second balls off the ground because of his hold up play.

There were times when Weah used his pace to beat the Iranians.

The Americans weren't able to score more goals against the Iranians.

They scored 1.12 expected goals and outshot Iran five to one.

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Berhalter knew that the U.S. would have more control over the situation against Iran.

He showed why he was chosen. Tim Ream was complemented by his physical prowess.

When Iran got behind the U.S. defense, Carter-Vickers was quick to every ball and snuffed out most of the offensive threats.

He completed 88.6% of his passes and 80.0% of his long balls with four clearances and four recoveries.

Berhalter will wonder if he'll start Carter-Vickers on Saturday or if he'll go back to Zimmerman.

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Tyler Adams is in the middle of it all.

The captaincy was given to the young man by Berhalter.

Adams was a great player for the U.S. He should be the first name on the sheet.

The USMNT was led by his vocal leadership.

LUFCMOT @LUFCMOTcom

Tyler Adams first half vs Iran:100% tackles won 100% dribbles completed 92% pass accuracy 53 touches 42 passes completed 6/6 long balls completed 3/4 ground duels won

Quality 💫 pic.twitter.com/7nbAkm9bmN

Adams' leadership will be needed more than ever.

The Americans are one of the youngest teams in the tournament, so it's important for them to have a leader who is calm during times of stress.

They have that in Adams.

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It was done by them.

The USMNT advanced to the next stage. How do they beat the Netherlands?

It's going to be difficult.

During the group stage, the Dutch scored five goals and only allowed one.

The U.S. will have a hard time defending against Gakpo.

The US may need to play direct if they want to beat the Netherlands. The Netherlands usually line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

They overload the opponent's 18-yard box by pushing their forward line and midfield up the field.

The Dutch excel at off-the-ball movements.

The U.S. could catch the Netherlands on their back foot if they kept it tight in defense and moved forward for counter- attacks.