Iran vs United States – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Iran vs United States on and what time does it start? Iran vs United States will take place on Tuesday 29th November, 2022 – 19:00 (UK)
Where is Iran vs United States taking place? Iran vs United States will take place at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Iran vs United States? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Iran vs United States
What channel is Iran vs United States on in the UK? Iran vs United States will be televised live on BBC
Where can I stream Iran vs United States in the UK? Iran vs United States can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
IRAN
- Iran’s World Cup looked all but over following their 6-2 thrashing at the hands of England, but an outstanding performance against Wales in their second group game saw them rewarded with two goals in second-half stoppage time, thus winning by two goals to nil and putting knockout qualification in their own hands.
- After picking up a second yellow card of the tournament, winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh will be suspended for this one, but since he came off the bench against Wales, head coach Carlos Queiroz will not have to alter his starting line-up should he not wish to.
UNITED STATES
- A hard-fought 0-0 draw for United States against England, leaves them knowing that victory against Iran would be enough to see them qualify for the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- After deploying a 4-4-2 formation last time out, head coach Gregg Berhalter could revert back to a 4-3-3 against Iran, whilst Borussia Dortmund Giovanni Reyna will be hoping for a start after being named on the bench in United States’ last two group fixtures.
THE TEAM NEWS
IRAN
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): H. Hosseini; Rezaeian, Pouraliganji, M. Hosseini, Mohammadi; Nourollahi, Afagh, Hajsafi; Gholizadeh, Azmoun, Taremi
UNAVAILABLE: Beiranvand (Injured), Jahanbakhsh (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE:
UNITED STATES
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Turner; Dest, Zimmermann, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Wright, Pulisic
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- IR Iran defeated USA 2-1 in the group stage at France 1998 in the only previous FIFA World Cup match between these two nations
- IR Iran are aiming to qualify from a World Cup group for the first time, in what is their sixth attempt
- IR Iran are aiming to win two successive World Cup matches for the first time in history
- IR Iran’s total of four goals scored at Qatar 2022 is their highest total in a World Cup final competition. The previous best was two (four times)
- Five of IR Iran’s last six FIFA World Cup goals have been scored in second half added-time
- IR Iran have only failed to score in one of their last six FIFA World Cup matches
- USA have lost only one of their last eight World Cup group stage matches (W2 D5)
- USA have won only two of their last 14 World Cup matches (D6 L6)
- USA qualified from their group in each of their last two World Cup appearances (2010 and 2014)
- If USA keep a clean sheet, it will be the first time they have done so in two successive World Cup matches since their first two games in the first ever World Cup final competition in 1930
- USA have lost only two of their last 12 international matches (W4 D6)
- USA have kept five clean sheets in their last eight international matches
THE PREDICTION
A draw could well be enough for Iran to finish second-place in Group B, but they won’t want to put their hopes in England’s hands and will back themselves to do the job themselves by beating United States. However, their opponents come into this game on the back of an excellent showing last Friday and with a little more cutting edge up top could have easily picked up three points. United States have no choice but to deploy an ultra-attacking style of play, knowing that only a win will see them through to the next round. Whilst Iran’s defence are in for a tough test, this could work in their favour from an attacking perspective, as United States are likely to leave space on the counter-attack which Iran could take advantage of. With that in mind, back both teams to score in what may be a real end-to-end encounter.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
