Groups A and B were decided in exciting fashion at the World Cup on Tuesday. Senegal defeated Ecuador to join the Netherlands as the top two teams in Group A. Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s national team held on to a 1-0 win over Iran to return to the Round of 16, joining England.
On Wednesday, Mexico fights to make an eighth consecutive knockout stage, but the odds are against them. Argentina and Lionel Messi are also back in action and will need to score against Poland’s well-organized defense.
France is the only team playing Wednesday that has secured a spot in the Round of 16. Will coach Didier Deschamps save Golden Boot leader Kylian Mbappe for the next round?
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Of course it was going to be Christian Pulisic.
He’s the wunderkind of this uber-talented young generation of U.S. men, “Captain America,” accomplishing things no American has before, for both club and country. If the USMNT is to make a run at this World Cup, and make people rethink their view of American soccer, it’s going to require something special from Pulisic.
“I don’t see it as a burden at all. I’m very excited for the moment,” he said before the tournament began. “I’m going to do the best I can in representing this country, and hope I make everyone back home proud.”
Oh, I’d say he’s got that covered.
A hard collision with Iran’s goalkeeper sent Pulisic to the hospital with an abdominal injury Tuesday night, but not before his goal in the 38th minute gave the USMNT what it needed to beat Iran 1-0 and advance to the knockout rounds.
Back in the World Cup for the first time since 2014, the USMNT will be one of the last 16 teams standing.
— Nancy Armour
Is Mexico out of the World Cup? Not yet. But El Tri must win (and get some help) in order to make an eighth consecutive Round of 16. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will be looking to prove its opening match wasn’t a fluke.
Time: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Argentina avoided disaster against Mexico and kept its, and Lionel Messi’s, World Cup dreams alive, while prolific Polish striker Robert Lewandowski finally got his World Cup goal. The best way for both teams to advance is to win in a wide open Group C.
Messi scored twice in two World Cup games this tournament and will likely have to do it again to get to the Round of 16 against Poland who has kept a clean sheet through two games this competition.
Time: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Australia’s win over Tunisia has them in favorable position to qualify for its second group stage appearance. The last time these two teams met in the World Cup, they drew 1-1. Christian Eriksen scored the first goal in that game.
Denmark will have to overcome its longest winless run in the World Cup, currently at five games.
Time: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
Defending champion France is the only team to have already qualified from Group D. So does that mean stars like Kylian Mbappe will be saved for the next round? After all, France has already lost a handful of starters this year.
In the first competitive match between the two teams, Tunisia looks to take advantage of a French team whose eyes are already on the next round.
Time: Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. ET
Stadium: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
How to watch: FS1 and Telemundo or stream on fuboTV and Peacock (Spanish)
