Shaq Moore of the United States challenges Iran's Abolfazl Jalali on Tuesday.
Shaq Moore of the United States challenges Iran’s Abolfazl Jalali on Tuesday. (Manu Fernandez/AP)

The United States punched its ticket to the round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over Iran.

The US opened the scoring in the 38th minute. Midfielder Weston McKennie lofted a pinpoint cross to a streaking Sergino Dest who headed into the path of Pulisic who bravely scored.

Pulisic and Iranian keeper Ali Beiranvand collided after the ball found the back of the net with the American lying on the ground in discomfort for minutes. Pulisic needed assistance to leave the field but did return to action.

Pulisic was substituted at half. US coach Gregg Berhalter told the FOX Sports sideline reporter that Pulisic suffered an abdominal injury.

It took a ton of gutsy defending by the USA in the second half — including seeing out nine minutes of stoppage time — to preserve their slim lead and get over the mark.

Iran did have a chance at goal late in the game but the US were able to clear the line.

Where things stand: The USA finishes second in Group B and will face the Netherlands on Saturday. England finishes atop the group after they battered Wales today, 3-0.

The US Men’s National Soccer Team celebrated the victory on Twitter:

CNN’s David Close contributed reporting to this post.

Source: www.cnn.com