A scoreless draw would have been preferred, but the United States men’s national team should still be pleased with Iran’s dramatic 2–0 win over Wales on Friday at the World Cup. There's plenty that remains to be done if the U.S. hopes to advance from Group B, but the picture has come into greater focus.
In a game that featured a Wales red card and two goals after the 97th minute from Iran, Team Melli earned the three points just days after a crushing 6–2 defeat at the hands of England. The win, for now, puts Iran into a tie with England atop the group on three points, while England enjoys a plus-4 goal differential heading into its second group game against the U.S. later Friday.
Wales, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of the group on minus-2 goal differential and one point from its group-opening draw with the U.S. The loss to Iran sets up a handful of scenarios for the U.S.
