USA player ratings: Christian Pulisic leads the charge and Gregg Berhalter gets big calls straight to the World Cup

The United States men’s national team got the job done on Tuesday, beating Iran 1-0 in their final group stage game to advance to the World Cup knockout stages. Christian Pulisic was the hero, and although he came out injuredhe scored the game’s only goal as the reds, whites and blues now face the Netherlands on Saturday with a quarter-final spot on the line.

It was another positive performance for the United States, building on the draw against England to dominate the talented Iranians. The Americans have now advanced from their pool at their last three World Cups and four of their last five.

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Gregg Berhalter’s starting XI included all players who play for European clubs. It was the first time in a World Cup match that no MLS player had been selected since the league’s birth in 1996. Shaq Moore (for Timothy Weah), Walker Zimmerman (for Sergino Dest) and Kellyn Acosta (for Weston McKennie) were introduced in the second half and avoided a full MLS shutout of that game.

But how did they all play? Here are our player ratings – and while you’re at it, sign up for our new newsletter covering the beautiful game in all its glory, including daily World Cup updates, here.

Guardians

I didn’t have to make a single stop. Was largely a spectator but did all the clever stuff like eat the clock when he could. He was always ready for anything that came his way, but it was mostly nothing.

Defenders

Largely a liability in defence, as is often the case, but he must be credited for his fine header in front of goal to help Pulisic’s winner. He continues to deliver more in the future, and it was time for him to go big with a great run.

The centre-back’s surprise starter, he probably gained more minutes with this performance. He didn’t commit a single foul, he played smart, and although we were worried about a late penalty, he didn’t come close to committing one. A confident display.

Held his ground well against the talented Iranian forwards, fending off a crucial ball after 20 minutes. He also looked strong in the air. I didn’t even have to make a tackle in the night.

He is really becoming a young star in this team. The effort is still there, but he also played in good crosses that nobody could get at the other end. He won the ball nine times and was always calm when it mattered.

Midfielders

He’ll never impress you with his stats, despite winning all three tackles he attempted, but he’s just the kind of leader every team needs. Whether it’s telling Ream to slow down early or wasting some time with a little late showdown, he’s the captain this team depends on.

Quite solid, but there was always a concern that he would give up the game with bad passing. He failed to split the lines with his dribbling, but the hustle and heart were there to set the tone with those tackles and pressure.

Set up the first goal with a sensational pass to the back post, finding a Sergino Dest in sequence. It was the perfect pass. Came off early in the second half, but it’s unclear if that was due to injury. Worth keeping an eye on.

Attackers

A decent heist game, but nothing else. Was substituted for injury in the second half after stepping on the ball and looking like he injured his ankle. Status uncertain for Saturday.

A nice start to the goal race where he should have passed it, but he ended up losing it. Came big late in the half with a strong touch in front of goal to score the opener. Taken to hospital with an abdominal injury which could jeopardize his status against the Dutch on Saturday. Time will tell us.

A simulation party? Had a golden chance on a loose ball in the box in the first half and headed it straight at the goalkeeper in a shocking waste. Then he lost another good look in the box a few minutes later. Had a goal called up due to offside. His races, however, were solid.

Substitutes

Held the ball well in the second half but never had a chance to look dangerous in attack.

Came in for McKennie and did just enough. Nothing flashy, but it was effective.

Nothing offered. On a counter, he should have taken the ball for a corner to waste time.

Error after error after error, from not listening to his goalkeeper to let go of the ball to returning it directly to Iran with sloppy passes.

Came on as the third centre-back and headed the ball a few times.

Coach Gregg Berhalter

He deserves credit for scoring their second goal. The first was qualifying for the World Cup, the second was coming out of the group. Everything that follows is just the icing on the cake. Their substitutions didn’t go too well and injuries are a huge concern going forward, but they finished the group stage unbeaten and with just one goal conceded. It’s impressive. RATING: 7.5