It has been more than a week since the ongoing World Cup in Qatar. There has never been a World Cup where people have discussed politics so much. Much revolved around political issues before the game, even before the duel between the Americans and the Iranian selection. Reason enough to report on the performance of both the teams so far.

In Group B, both will be looking to qualify for the round of 16 at the Al Thumama Stadium tonight. Iran started well, defeating Wales 2–0. With three points, they are second behind England, against whom they lost 6–2 in the first game but then recovered. Behind them are the American players with two points. drew 1–1 with Wales 0-0 against fellow favorites England, Americans are under pressure.

Klinsmann was America’s last World Cup coach

The last World Cup coach to feature was Jürgen Klinsmann in 2014. Born in Geisslinger, he led the team to the round of 16 in Brazil. With ex-national coach and former Stuttgarter, the United States failed to beat Belgium in extra time. However, qualification for the next World Cup tournament in Russia 2018 failed.

For decades, Europeans and South Americans scoffed at “soccer made in the USA”. When North America hosted the 1994 World Cup, many joked whether they would interpret the shot on goal as a field goal. You may only know American football. Since their first appearance at the World Cup in 1930, they have progressed past the round of 16 only twice. In 1930 they finished third, and in 2002 the US lost to Germany in the quarterfinals.

In the first group game against Welsh star Gareth Bale, the American impressed with good strategy and sharp switching. It was a draw in the end when Bell equalized in the 82nd minute. The next draw was in the second match against England, Which was flattering for the three Lions, who were considered co-favourites. Former Sandhauser Haji Wright was allowed to play for 83 minutes.

Soccer Is Growing And Flourishing In The United States

The solid performance is mainly due to a number of interesting players appearing for the USA. Christian Pulisic won the Champions League in 2021 with Chelsea. Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna is a huge talent who is always plagued by injuries. Weston McKennie has won a regular place at top club Juventus. There is also Timothy Weah, former world football player and son of George Weah, the current President of Liberia.

This is not a coincidence. Many children and young people now play football in the USA. There is much more to it than just football and basketball. An amazing development that is slowly making an impact. Many Americans also play in Europe – some at top clubs. With the 2026 World Cup in mind in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the US team should be in even better shape.

USA needs a win

The Iranian explosives are also in good shape for the anticipated duel. The 2–0 victory over Wales was well deserved. If Wales do not win against England in the parallel game, Irani will qualify for the last 16 in case of a draw. On the other hand, USA definitely needs a win.

Before the decisive duel, however, political tensions loom over the sport. At the US team’s press conference, captain and Leipzig professional Tyler Adams and coach Greg Berhalter had to brief on political issues. Mostly outspoken Iranian journalists asked questions about racism in the US, visa regulations between Iran and the US, and military references at the press conference.

Tension between America and Iran

The former professional at Energy Cottbus and 1860 Munich did not answer questions and referred to the importance of sport, which can bring people and countries together. However, the US federation had already removed the Islamic Republic’s coat of arms from the flag of Iran before the game. Berhalter apologized for this at the press conference. The union wanted to show solidarity with women in Iran who are fighting for human rights. The shot backfired.

Jürgen Klinsmann, who was born in Geislingen and is an American by choice, also added fuel to the fire with his statements about the Iranian team. After the win against Wales, he accused the BBC of influencing refereeing behavior to throw the opponent out of concentration on the team. part of the culture. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz criticized the 1990 world champion for his statements and even called for his resignation from the FIFA Technical Study Group. In this he is one of the seven members, which aims to improve and promote the worldwide understanding of football through modern analysis.

It all heats up for tonight’s duel. However, in the 90 minutes, the focus is on the game’s battle for progress for both countries. So the focus is on football – also for Jürgen Klinsmann in his role as FIFA expert in Qatar.