U.S. soccer needed nothing short of victory over Iran Tuesday's group-stage match vs. Iran to advance to the next stage of the World Cup.
The USMNT got just what it needed with 38th-minute goal from midfielder Christian Pulisic, who knocked in a go-ahead goal vs Iran that, at the moment, kept alive United States' hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
Pulisic's goal came from a a fantastic assist from Sergiño Dest, and gave U.S. soccer a 1-0 lead over Iran (which needed only a draw to become the second team to advance from Group B, alongside group winner England).
MORE: What's next for USMNT after beating Iran at World Cup
Unfortunately for Pulisic, he suffered an abdominal issue on the goal; though he finished the half, he was substituted after play resumed, with Brendan Aaronson taking over:
The USMNT got everything it could handle from the Iranians and more, however, with a Tim Weah goal getting disqualified after VAR determined he was offside on a goal that would have given USA a 2-0 lead. Iran fought valiantly in the second half, threatening until the last of 10 minutes of extra time before falling.
Pulisic's sacrificial goal and the ensuing victory was much appreciated by American supporters, especially those in the sports world. Here are some of the best reactions to the victory:
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