The United States is off to the Round of 16 and faces the Netherlands on Saturday morning. Analyst Alexi Lalas says the USMNT has a chance at the upset.
.""We knew that Iran was gonna make some changes, and they did. Having said that, there was a sense of relief, especially in that first half. The U.S. played really, really well. And then, second half came, and yes, those changes happened, and it was just kind of, ‘Hold on for dear life, bend but don’t break,’ and ultimately, they did. But there were some nervy moments. …
"Keep in mind the strategy involved where the U.S. had to win the game. Iran didn’t have to win the game. So that put the ball in the U.S.’ court a whole lot more. But then they got the goal, and obviously, Iran has to attack, and then at halftime, they made some changes. Christian Pulisic was wonderful in the moment.
"Even though he went off hurt and basically gave his body for his country in that moment, he was really, really good, and I think was a huge part of the success in that first half. And then, it was just about gutting it out in that second half. Some of the stuff didn’t quite work out great for Gregg Berhalter and the U.S in the second half, but ultimately, they bent plenty, but they ultimately didn’t break.
"We have been to World Cups where we have gotten out of groups before, so I think there is a higher expectation, which is I think right and fair to do with this team," Lalas said, noting that the only goal the USMNT allowed in group play was a Gareth Bale penalty kick."This Netherlands game is going to be difficult, but the U.S. is going to be in this wonderful, comfortable underdog role, which, traditionally, we thrive in.
At the same time, Lalas understands the Netherlands is"on paper" the better team, and the United States will"have [its] hands full."
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