Gregg Berhalter has some big decisions to make that will likely go a long way to determining the team's fate at Qatar 2022
Here we are. Two games down, one to go. Win and the U.S. men's national team are in. Anything else and they'll leave Qatar early wondering what could have been.
The USMNT's World Cup fate comes down to a clash with Iran, who are currently in pole position to qualify for the knockout round after a 2-0 win over Wales. An Iran win or draw will be enough to send Team Melli through.
Gregg Berhalter and co. know that. They know they'll need at least a goal to keep their World Cup dream alive. But, after scoring just once in their first two games, there are questions about where that goal will come from.
Against England, Berhalter unleashed a tactical wrinkle few could have expected, sending the U.S. out in a 4-4-2 rather than a 4-3-3. It worked, with the U.S. going toe-to-toe with the Three Lions and, in many ways, having the better of the game.
That's what makes this game so difficult to project. For years, Berhalter's system has been somewhat reliable. Now, he's proven that he's willing to shake things up with a surprise.
But how could the U.S. line up against Iran knowing that they'll need to win? GOAL takes a look:
GettyGK: Matt Turner
No need to waste time here.
Turner is the starter, that's that. He's been good so far this tournament, allowing just the one penalty goal, while making a few solid saves.
Last game, we saw a bit of sweeper keeper from the Arsenal goalkeeper which left his USMNT team-mates laughing postgame once their nerves calmed down a bit.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLB: Antonee Robinson
Another one that's easy to call.
Robinson is the left-back because he's the only natural left-back on the roster. It's unlikely Berhalter will make any sort of change, like switching Sergino Dest over, because it makes little sense and because Robinson has played pretty well.
Barring an injury, he's starting.
Getty ImagesCB: Walker Zimmerman
He made his mistake against Wales, but recovered in a big way against England.
The Nashville SC defender was fantastic against Harry Kane and co., and it should not go understated how big of an accomplishment it is to hold England scoreless.
Some will hold his foul on Gareth Bale against him but don't. It happens to centerbacks and it happened to Zimmerman, but he put it behind him instantly.
Getty ImagesCB: Tim Ream
On one hand, can you trust a 35-year-old veteran to play three World Cup games in about a week? On the other, haven't we seen Ream do this sort of thing since he moved to England all those years ago?
Ream understands the rhythm of all of this, having endured the meatgrinder that is the English Championship for a good chunk of his career. He's professional as can be and has experience with this sort of thing, so he should be fine.
Also, he's been the USMNT's best defender. It's hard to bench someone who has earned that title.