Iran vs USA: American dream could turn into nightmare
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World Cup 2022: Iran vs USA odds, preview and tips
Iran and the USA have a tense political history and the atmosphere is likely to be red hot when the two nations meet in their final World Cup group game on Tuesday with the winner assured of a place in the last 16.
The Iranians only need a point to make it to the knockout stage for the first time in their history after six failed attempts at the finals after a 2-0 victory over Wales moved them up to second place, one point clear of the USA who held England to a goalless draw.
Go for goals at both ends
The United States frustrated England with their well-drilled high-pressing game on Friday night, but their mindset will need to change for the clash with Iran, who looked transformed in their clash with Wales.
Carlos Queiroz’s men hit the post twice and had a goal disallowed before they took advantage of the late dismissal of Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey to score the opener in the 98th minute thanks to a superb long-range strike from substitute Roozbeh Cheshmi, and Ramin Rezaeian added a breakaway second at the death.
Team Melli won’t be under pressure to go forward and they will do their utmost to disrupt the USA, but we saw how they crumbled playing defensively in a 6-2 mauling by England.
The Iranians do not usually concede many goals, but will may have to come out of their shells should the favourites get their noses in front.
Gregg Berhalter’s side had a couple of decent chances to score against the Three Lions, so we’ll go for both teams to score at World Cup odds of 10/11 as the first of our Iran vs USA betting tips.
Put faith in Christian
Chelsea winger Pulisic poses the biggest threat to the Iranian defence and he nearly got on the scoresheet against England only to see his rasping drive crash against Jordan Pickford’s crossbar.
It was Pulisic who provided the pass for Timothy Weah to open the scoring against Wales, so he has been an influential figure in his side’s two group games.
Pulisic is 5/1 to break the deadlock in the World Cup betting, but instead we’ll pick him to score at any time at 21/10.
American dream could turn sour
Iran are expected to revert to type with a solid defensive performance, but they have shown what they can do when they put their minds to attack.
The USA have the second youngest squad at the World Cup and their energy levels, typified by skipper Tyler Adams and Weston McKinnie, have been exceptional.
America, get to know Matt Turner 👇 https://t.co/ZflHqUAu15
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 26, 2022
USA cannot afford to play a cagey game and will be going hell for leather for the win they need, but Iran proved they can handle the heat in Qatar as Wales wilted under constant bombardment.
With that in mind, the favourites failing to win with a half-time lead catches the eye at 11/1 as the last of our Iran vs USA betting tips.
Match Info
Where: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha
When: 19:00, Tuesday 29th November
How to watch: BBC
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
