During the 2-0 victory over Wales, Iran appeared to be returning to the form that earned them a spot in the World Cup.
Late goals from Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Rezaeian quickly dispelled any notions that Team Melli would be the target of ridicule in the group after a humiliating loss to England.
Sardar Azmoun, a forward for Bayer Leverkusen, was available from the start against Wales, giving Carlos Queiroz’s team a greater offensive threat.
The 27-year-old combined well with star Mehdi Taremi, who unlike in the first game of the group stage had a competent partner in crime at the top end of the pitch.
With a calf injury, Azmoun has been unable to play for his club team since early October. The 40-goal international was forced off after 68 minutes as his team sought a victory after falling down three times and miraculously getting back up each time.
With three points from two games and a second-place finish in Group B, Iran knows that a victory over the United States will guarantee them a spot in the World Cup’s knockout rounds for the first time in team history. However, even a draw on Tuesday would be sufficient if Wales loses to England.
Within the first week of this World Cup, fellow Asian qualifiers Saudi Arabia and Japan have produced notable upsets.
And now Iran could add to the success stories from that region by advancing past the group stages for the first time on Tuesday night.
Gregg Berhalter’s USA team has demonstrated they are poised to be a new prospect in international football with a young crop of energetic and athletic stars despite failing to earn a perfect score in either of their two opening games at this tournament.
When compared to their English opponents, the USA really stood out for their athleticism and sharpness; full-backs Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson of Fulham provided pace on the wings, and Tyler Adams stifled Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount in the middle of the field.
If Berhalter’s team defeats Iran on Tuesday, they will play either the Netherlands, Ecuador, or Senegal in a knockout round. If the Stars and Stripes can rediscover their ruthlessness in front of goal, they could pose a serious threat to the top teams in the latter stages of this competition.
So can the Americans defeat Iran?
Here is what the market thinks!
1×2 Betting Odds
After 2 brilliant draws played out against Wales and England, the US team will be confident in defeating Iran and qualifying for the knockouts.
And the odds have reflected their performances so far!
They stand @2.05 to win this do or die match.
It’s not easy to bounce back from a thrashing. But Iran did exactly that. The odds that a resilient Iran would win stands @4.2
The chances of a stalemate which could see Iran go through is @ 3.55.
Total goals over/under
The market believes this one is going right to the wire, with not too many goals in it!
The odds that the total number of goals score will be over 2.5, stands @ 2.35.
While the odds that the total number of goals will be under 2.5, stands @ 1.68.
