Author: Nancy Armour, USA TODAY

Christian Pulisic collided with the Iran goalkeeper after scoring the goal that sent the USMNT to round of 16 and had to leave game at halftime.

World Cup is the only hole in Lionel Messi’s resume, and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would like to fill it in what is “surely” his final tournament.

USMNT plays the Netherlands in round of 16 with a chance to reach quarterfinals for first time since 2002 and only second time in program’s history.

USMNT now plays the Netherlands in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar, with a chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

With two points after draws in its first two games at World Cup in Qatar, USMNT must beat Iran on Tuesday to advance to knockout rounds.

US Soccer removed the Islamic Republic emblem from Iran’s flag in some of its social media posts in show of support for women protesters.

Iran has been rocked by protests since the Sept. 16 death of Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the morality police.

Defending champion France lost Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante before the tournament and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema after arriving at World Cup.

In the modern era, USMNT has advanced to World Cup’s knockout rounds every time it’s finished group stage with four points or more.

The Americans outplayed mighty England, and 0-0 draw gave them another point. They must beat Iran in the World Cup Group B finale Tuesday to advance.