In the last match of the group stage, Iran lost a heartbreaker to the United States, falling 0-1. After a disappointing first half that saw Christian Pulisic score the lone goal, the Team Melli made significant tactical adjustments. These changes nearly led to Iran scoring late and securing their place in the Knockout Round, but poor finishing and disappointing individual performances ensured that the scoreline held.
Alireza Beiranvand – 7
The goalkeeper made four saves in the match, keeping his side within striking distance of their opponents. He had no chance to stop Christian Pulisic’s first-half effort, which he hammered home from close range.
Majid Hosseini – 7
After a poor start to the match, Hosseini settled in and played an important role for Iran. He kept the backline organized and won several aerial challenges.
Morteza Pouraliganji – 7.5
In the first half, Pouraliganji was the sole reason the United States scored just one goal. The centre-back was in top form, winning several challenges in the defensive third as the Americans attacked relentlessly. Late in stoppage time, he sent a header dangerously close to the goal, nearly equalizing for Iran.
Ramin Rezaeian – 6.5
At first, the right-back struggled to contain Antonee Robinson, but his form improved as the match went on. While Iran managed few true attacking chances until the end of the game, Rezaeian looked decent coming forward.
Milad Mohammadi – 5
Mohammadi struggled mightily against Timothy Weah. The winger was simply too creative for the defender, and he caused chaos when cutting inside, dragging Mohammadi out of position. The left-back departed the match just before halftime with an apparent muscle injury.
Saeed Ezatolahi – 6.5
Playing as a defensive midfielder, Ezatolahi played well in the air and restricted the space between the lines, cutting out Pulisic’s space.
Ahmad Nourollahi – 5
Iran’s midfield was by far the most disappointing unit of the match. In the centre of the pitch, Nourollahi struggled to string together passes or keep the ball moving progressively.
Ehsan Hajsafi – 4.5
Hajsafi saw a decent amount of the ball, but he was unable to do much with it when in possession.
Ali Gholizadeh – 5
Like his fellow winger, Gholizadeh managed a decent amount of possession, but he struggled to connect with the forwards or attack the space in the midfield.
Mehdi Taremi – 6
As a true number nine, Taremi spent his night struggling against the United States’ backline. He fought hard, winning tackles and aerial duels, but he was ultimately unable to create genuine attacking chances.
Sardar Azmoun – 4
After a poor performance, Azmoun left the pitch at halftime. The forward, who has struggled to find the back of the net with Bayer Leverkusen, saw his offensive issues continue against the United States.
Morteza Pouraliganji can't quite find the target on the header! Iran continues to scramble, hunting for the equalizer! #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/NGqTsAZnU2
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 29, 2022
Substitutes
Ali Karimi – 7
Moments before halftime, Karimi took the pitch in place of Mohammadi at left-back. He defended well against Weah, whose performance dipped in the second half.
Saman Ghoddos – 5
With Iran needing an increased attacking presence, Ghoddos took the pitch at halftime. Unfortunately, his most noticeable contribution was a misfired shot from point-blank range that should have equalized for his country.