FOOTBALL
World Cup Predictions: USA vs Iran
Knockout stage equation blended with political tension; Iran versus the United States is potentially shaping up as a World Cup classic.
On Tuesday night, the teams will lock horns at the Al Thumama Stadium in a winner-takes-it-all scenario.
After Iran’s 6-2 defeat in the Group B opener against England, many wrote off Iran as the punchbags of the group.
With the USA and Wales having played out a draw in the other group match, Team Meli were at the bottom of the group before the second matchday.
But they put on a much better display against Wales and looked the better team for most of the match.
Sardar Azmoun’s inclusion in the starting lineup made the Iranian attack far more threatening. But the Bayer Leverkusen man had to limp off the pitch in the 68th minute with the scores still locked at 0-0.
The Asian side came close to opening the score several times, but the woodwork, Wayne Hennessey’s brilliant goalkeeping, and the wastefulness of Iranian players kept the score goalless.
Ironically, it was Hennessey who threw Iran a lifeline as he went off seeing a red card for his advanced challenge on Mehdi Taremi.
Iran took their time to make their numerical advantage count.
Rouzbeh Cheshmi bulged the Welsh net for the first time eight minutes into the stoppage time. Three minutes later, Ramin Rezaeian extended the lead.
A win against the US will take Iran to the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
A draw could also be enough for them if England manage to avoid defeat against Wales at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Team USA only have two points to their name after the first two matches, but there would be little opposition to the claim that the Stars and Stripes have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in this World Cup.
The Americans were the better side in both of their first two matches.
They conceded a late penalty against Wales to hand them a route back into the game.
Against England, the US pushed the World Cup contenders back for prolonged periods of the game. They rued a flurry of missed chances as the score remained 0-0 at the final whistle.
Gregg Berhalter’s men can ill afford to drop points against Iran on Tuesday night.
Looking back on their last two performances, the USA should feel confident of a win against Iran. But they will have to get much better in front of the opposition’s goal to do so.
Team News
Alireza Jahanbakhsh will be a certain absentee for Iran, as the Feyenoord striker picked up back-to-back yellows in the first two matches.
Sardar Azmoun will face a race against time to get fit for the USA match.
Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand has recovered from concussion and will be available to stand between the sticks. But Hossein Hosseini might keep his place on goal.
USA have a fresh deck of cards to play with.
So, they will be able to field the exact same eleven that played against England.
Giovanni Reyna surprisingly clocked less than twenty minutes over the first two fixtures. Will Gregg Berhalter hand the Borussia Dormund rising star his first start of the tournament?
The USMNT manager has some big calls to make to pick the perfect XI that could bring them their first win in the competition.
Our Prediction
USA have been laying excellent football, but their lack of output might lead to their downfall once again.
It would be difficult to break down an Iran side who would be happy to sit back and hit the US on the counter.
This could be another 0-0 draw.
Date: 30 November
Kickoff: 12:30 AM
Venue: Al Thumama Stadium
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
Manisha Koirala Supports Local Artisans and Overcomes Personal Fears
Sunil Grover Shares Adorable Picture with His Four Dogs
Hombale Films Announces Next Chapters of K.G.F. and Salaar Franchises
Karan Aujla’s ‘It Was All A Dream’ Tour Lights Up Mumbai
Robin Uthappa Arrest Warrant Issued Over Legal Dispute
A Cricketing Extravaganza in the Himalayas
Bridging Local Talent with Global Opportunities NPL 2024
Shikhar Dhawan’s Dominant Innings in the Nepal League
Pokhara Avengers Achieve Historic 10-Wicket Victory Over Lumbini Lions
Why are Australian cricketers wearing black armbands on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test against India?
-
FILMY1 year agoWATCH: Tripti Dimri shocks audiences with daring nude sequence in Ranbir Kapoor starrer ‘Animal’
-
BIG NEWS2 years agoRiva Arora, aged 12, romances with Karan Kundrra in viral video
-
BIG NEWS2 years agoMeet the sexiest female golfer ever!
-
LATEST2 years agoThe sexiest tennis star on the planet. Do you agree?
-
CRICKET1 year ago‘Bloody dump captain’ – Former Pakistan cricketer lashes out at Babar Azam and staff for mismanagement of fast bowlers in Asia Cup 2023
-
FILMY1 year agoWATCH: After Tripti Dimri, Rashmika Mandanna’s intimate scene with Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Animal’ goes viral on internet
-
CRICKET1 year agoTop 10 hairstyle of MS Dhoni from 2007 to 2023
-
FILMY1 year agoDid you know Simi Garewal dated India’s iconic industrialist Ratan Tata? Know more about this