Next up: The Netherlands

The US Men’s soccer team defeated Iran 1–0 yesterday to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup, aka the round of 16, for the first time since 2014 (and seventh time overall).

⚽️ A deeper dive: The only “GOALLLLLL” America needed to secure yesterday's victory was scored in the 38th minute by Christian Pulisic, who collided with Iran's goaltender in the process. He was taken to the hospital, with the team later saying he had suffered a pelvic contusion and his status was day-to-day.

The win was the USMNT’s 3rd match (1W, 2D) of the World Cup, which has been a historic one for the team overall.

• America has allowed its fewest total number of goals in the group stage since 1930 (1 vs Wales).
• It’s also the first time in 92 years that the US has gotten two shutouts in a World Cup.

👀 Looking ahead… The US’ next match is against the Netherlands on Saturday. With a win, the USMNT would advance to the quarterfinal round for the first time since 2002.

And if they win again, earning a trip to the semifinals, it'll be America’s first time in the final four since the inaugural World Cup in 1930. Though this year, the stakes are even higher: in addition to $42 million in prize money, Budweiser announced last week that the tournament winner gets every drop of beer the company’s not allowed to serve in Qatar.