Among the youngest teams of the tournament, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) matched Group B favorite England in an action-packed draw 0–0 on Friday, Nov. 25.
It was the first scoreless draw for the U.S. at a World Cup, as the British press and analysts expected a huge victory for England in front of mostly English fans of 68,463 at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar.
England coach Gareth Southgate however reminded his players of the historic U.S. victory 1–0 in 1950, and the 1–1 draw in 2010.
“Very tough game, which is exactly what we expected,” said Southgate. It was “difficult to come off the back of such an incredible high (defeating Iran 6–2) and then to have to play a team who make it so difficult to ge through the first two thirds of the field because of their athleticism and defensive organization...we had to show a bit more resilience.”
The U.S. still control their fate with their final Group match against top Asian-ranked No. 20 Iran on Tuesday to advance to the Round of 16.
The English had a slight edge in possession, while the Americans led in offensive stats of seven corner kicks to three; and ten shots, one on goal, to England’s eight with three on goal.
23-year old Tyler Adams was selected by teammates as youngest American captain—he and the American midfield were able to control much of the match on both ends.
“Both teams worked hard,” said U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter. “Anytime you can get a shutout in the World Cup, it’s a good thing...we’re proud, but our work is not done.”
The Americans had two connections with their opponent as Antonee Robinson was born and raised in England, and Yunus Musah had previously played for England against the U.S. in an under-17 match.
England maintained control for the first 15 plus minutes, the U.S. then organized most of the attack for the remainder of the half—down the right flank.
Including opportunities in 26th minute from Timothy Weah, who crossed to Weston McKennie for volley that sailed high. McKennie completed 90 percent of his passes in the match.
Harry Kane remains two goals shy of Wayne Rooney for the most international goals for England.
Kane took a dangerous shot from eight yards in front of the goal in the 10th minute that was blocked in recovery by Walker Zimmerman—Kane’s other opportunity came in the 93rd minute with a header that sailed left.
In the 33rd minute, Christian Pulisic received a pass at the top-left corner and created space against two defenders to fire a left-footed bullet that struck the the crossbar.
“There was definitely a lot of positives...we had stretches in the first half where we looked dominant and created some chances,” said Pulisic. “We managed the game quite well, and to come away with with a draw against them as a pretty good result...we could have even won the game.”
In the 41st minute, Weah back-healed a beautiful pass to Sergino Dest, who then dribbled deep into the right center of the box for a shot that was blocked by England’s Harry Maguire.
England responded with a deep run by Luke Shaw in the 45th minute resulting with a short low pass for Bukayo Saka’s volley attempt that sailed high and left.
American goalkeeper Matt Turner was forced into his first save on goal from a low rocket to the left corner by Mason Mount in the 46th minute.
Turner said that it “felt good” helping the team “maintain a clean sheet.” He was pleased in maintaining the performance into the second half which the team failed to do in the first match against Wales.
Late addition to the USMNT central defender Tim Ream was also instrumental to the shut-out.
The Americans continued the intense attack in the early stages of the second half resulting in early corner kicks attacking the left flank.
England made adjustments in the 68th minute in the mid-field and attacking lines resulting in more ball possession with the addition of Jack Grealish.
The U.S. brought in Brendon Aaronson in the 77th minute for McKennie, who is still returning to game fitness. Late addition to the USMNT central defender Tim Ream was also instrumental to the shut-out.
Marcus Rashford also entered the match for England to take a shot on goal in the 87th minute that was easily handled by Turner.
England stays atop Group B with four points, while Iran’s defeat of Wales 2–0 earlier in the day propelled them to second. The U.S. sits third with two points, and Wales has been eliminated with 1 point.
