The USMNT seems to be back where it belongs, as their efforts have led them to reach the Round of 16 for the third time in the past four FIFA World Cup editions.
The team's only absence from the last 16 teams came in 2018, when they were unable to qualify to the competition, but that seems to be only a bad memory, as they have managed to reach the decisive stage by beating Iran and with an unbeaten first round in Qatar.
The team has also been able to make history in this competition, with its defensive prowess and their ability to beat the opposition giving them new life in FIFA's biggest tournament. The first of these milestones had to do with the team's ability to keep their rivals without any goals, with Matt Turner having a key role in that run.
2 - The #USMNT has kept clean sheets in consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since its first two matches in the competition in 1930. Secured. pic.twitter.com/RVv8y0DwhQ
— OptaJack (@OptaJack) November 29, 2022
The second milestone for the USMNT was accomplished as soon as the first half came to an end. The defensive dominance of Berhalter's men was simply impressive against the Iranians.
The U.S. did not concede a single shot in a #FIFAWorldCup half for the first time since 1966.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 29, 2022
The #USMNT is 21-0-1 (W-L-D) when leading at halftime under head coach Gregg Berhalter. The lone draw was in its #Qatar2022 opener vs Wales. pic.twitter.com/J2dFZysaiW
Last, but not least, this win represent the first victory for the Stars and Stripes against Iran in their international meetings. The Asian side had claimed a win and a draw against the USMNT in previous matches (one of them in the 1998 World Cup), but now, the last laugh went to the American team.
