USA beat Iran 1-0 to reach World Cup last 16

Christian Pulisic fired the United States into the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday as the Americans downed Iran 1-0 in their politically charged grudge match.

Chelsea star Pulisic bundled home the do-or-die Group B game's only goal on 38 minutes to set up a second round clash with Group A winners the Netherlands on Saturday.

"The first half we showed what we can do, soccer wise, the second half we showed what we could do determination wise," US coach Gregg Berhalter said after the win.

"The guys grinded, gave every single ounce and we are undefeated going into the next round."

Pulisic left the field at half-time after sustaining a heavy knock while scoring his match-winning goal.

"I can't say enough positive things about Christian," Berhalter said. "With this new injury it's stressful. I think I have less hair on my head now. But we'll take it and move on and go battle against Holland."

Starting line-ups in the World Cup Group B match between Iran and the United States at the Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday.

Iran (4-4-2)
Alireza BeIranvand; Morteza Pouraliganji, Milad Mohammadi, Majid Hosseini, Ramin Rezaeian; Saeid Ezatolahi, Ahmad Noorollahi, Ehsan Hajsafi (capt) Ali Gholizadeh; Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun

Coach: Carlos Queiroz (POR)

United States (4-3-3)
Matt Turner; Sergino Dest, Cameron Carter-Vikers, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah; Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, Christian Pulisic

Coach: Gregg Berhalter (USA)

Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP)