USMNT react to 1-0 victory over Iran

The United States men’s national team are through to the 2022 World Cup’s Round of 16, after defeating Iran 1-0 on Thursday at the Al Thumama Stadium. Christian Pulisic’s goal in the 38th minute secured the victory, and propelled the American team to second place on the Group B standings with five points in three games. 

"We believed in ourselves," said head coach Gregg Berhalter after the match. "We believed in what we were doing."

The United States will now face Netherlands, after Louis Van Gaal’s team emerged as leaders of Group A with seven points and a 2W-0L-1D record. 

The American side last qualified for the knockout stage in 2014, defeating Ghana, drawing with Portugal and falling to Germany to earn four points and advance to the next round. But the USMNT quickly lost momentum, losing 2-1 to Belgium to be eliminated from the World Cup. 

But Gregg Berhalter insists the team is different this time around. 

"It's the first time in 92 years that we've had two shutouts at a World Cup, so, the boys are doing something right,"  Berhalter said after the game

“I want you to enjoy this, but we’re not done,” Berhalter said in a behind-the-scenes video US Soccer shared from the Iran match. “That’s the mentality we need to have, guys. Not that we’re happy to be here.”

And after failing to qualify for the 2018 edition, the USMNT has set their sights on bigger goals. 

“We’re not finished yet,” echoed defender Walker Zimmerman. “I think the narrative continues, we’re still going to try and do that and accomplish our goal of winning the World Cup. I think if we’re able to do that, we’re going to inspire a lot of young players, a lot of young Americans to pick up the sport and, hopefully, make them proud.”

The US men’s national team returns to the pitch on Saturday against the Netherlands at Khalifa International Stadium.