USA's only option was to win (no dependency on ENGvWAL) and although they didn't get an early goal they did get a late first half goal thanks to future star finally showing up and putting his body and soul into the play giving USA a 1-0 lead in the 38'. But Christian Pulisic suffered a bad injury (either he getting kneed in the stomach/groin area by GK while he braced himself on the GK's groin) and left the match at halftime.
All of USA's effort was marred by poor touches and bad decisions, especially in the last 15 +9 (actually ten) minutes, and while you can blame fatigue considering how hard USA played, a good number of these misfires were coming from subs Shaq Moore and Haji Wright. Luckily, like E2-Costa Rica did against E4-Japan, they constantly challenged IRN players just inside midfield (not letting them get too deep in USA's end) forcing IRN to play backwards at times. But going into a defensive shell does mean lots of IRN possession and when IRN did break through, strong shots not on frame hurt them (USA GK Matt Turner was only credited with one save (FIFA updated: 2) though several shots got past him).
There were two instances in the +9 stoppage time where IRN wanted a handball and a foul, but luckily both plays weren't 50/50 calls so no call was the obvious correct call. Add to that this ref let a lot of physical play happen (there were 4 yellow cards ( with 1 to a IRN bench player and 1 to IRN for shirt pulling not a tackle) but could have easily been 8 or more), no way he would call those fouls. Boy the stress though!
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