Watch Christian Pulisic score vital goal for USA against Iran at World Cup… before horror clash into keeper

CHRISTIAN PULISIC put the USA on the brink of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup with a crucial first-half goal against Iran.

The Chelsea winger struck in the 38th minute to put the Yanks on the verge of reaching the last 16 for only the fifth time in their history.

Christian Pulisic put the USA on the brink of the last-16 with the opener against IranREX

APBut the Chelsea ace ended up suffering an injury that led to his withdrawal at half time[/caption]

Pulisic tapped home from inside the six-yard box after getting on the end of a headed cross from Sergino Dest.

The goal, however, came at a cost to the 24-year-old – who injured himself in the process.

But thankfully for the Americans, he managed to shake it off and return to action.

He was, however, subbed at half-time after being assessed by team doctors.

As it stands, the Americans trail first-placed England by two points.

They were level on points with the Three Lions at halftime but were in second place due to Gareth Southgate’s troops’ superior goal difference.

But a quick-fire double from Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden saw England pull away from Gregg Berhalter’s side.

Speaking ahead of the match, Berhalter said of the Iran clash “When I think about this match, I know that a lot of other constituents have another feeling towards it, but for us, it is a soccer game against a good team.

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“It’s not much more.

“It’s a knockout game, both teams want to go to the next round and are desperate to go to the next round – and that’s how we’re looking at this match.

“We are very focused on what we do as a team, as are they.”

He added: “I don’t want to sound aloof or not caring, but the guys have worked really hard for the last four years.

“We have 72 hours between England and Iran. We really are just focused on how to get past Iran to go to the knockout stage of the tournament.

“Of course, our thoughts are with the people, the whole country, the whole team, everyone – but our focus is on this match.

“We are not looking backwards – there is no talk about the performance against Wales or England now.

GETTYChristian Pulisic ended up being subbed at half time[/caption]

“It is really focused on how we can be successful against Iran, and what I see from the group is this tremendous amount of focus, there is no real distractions.

“I know there is a lot going on here, but the group is focused on how do we get a way (into the last 16).”