The US did not do what the Saudia Arabian team did today...... they didn't keep the pressure on the opposing team. They pulled back and played to defend the win, not go get the win. Then a stupid, unneeded, penalty in the box... on Gareth Bale (of all people).... and there you have it..... tie game. As far as hurting the chances of advancing, overall if a team draws there is a 58.7% chance they can advance. It may come down to goal differential in the US group. Here is an excerpt from MLSsoccer.com :WVAPPeer wrote: ↑Tue Nov 22, 2022 10:50 amOK World Cup experts - I have a couple of questions - First, we watched the first half of the USA game before going to pick-up our granddaughter and We totally dominated and then we saw the final score - I know it was on a PK, but what the hell happened? Secondly, we know this is better than a loss, but how much does this really hurt the USA chance of moving on? We do always try to watch the World Cup matches and I do know a little about soccer (our daughter played travel soccer, high school and ODP) but I just couldn't understand the US strategy after scoring the first goal - it was like they went into a "4 corners" to play keep away instead of continuing to attack? I mean Wales didn't even sniff a scoring chance in the 1st half - it's puzzling to an average soccer fan???
Scenarios The US can neither advance nor be fully eliminated after they face England on Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving – at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar (2 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo).
However, the result will play a massive role in their overall chances. Below is a breakdown of the United States' likelihood to advance based on potential point totals after all three of their matches – already carrying one point:
7 points (win next two matches): ADVANCE
5 points (win one match, draw the other): Almost definitely ADVANCE
4 points (win one match, lose the other): Could ADVANCE but need results to go their way
3 points (draw next two matches): Almost definitely ELIMINATED
2 points (draw one match, lose the other): ELIMINATED
1 point (lose both matches): ELIMINATED
And here is a breakdown of their specific clinching scenarios depending on the result against England.
US beat England:
Advance to Round of 16 with a draw or win against Iran.
US draw England:
Advance to Round of 16 in most, but not all, scenarios with a win against Iran.
Eliminated in most, but not all, scenarios with a draw against Iran.
Eliminated with a loss against Iran.
US lose to England:
Could advance to Round of 16 with a win against Iran, depending on results in other group stage games.
Eliminated with a draw or loss against Iran.
Tiebreakers
In order of priority:
Goal differential
Goals scored
Head-to-head result
Goal differential in matches between tied teams (only in three-way tie)
Goals scored in matches between tied teams (only in three-way tie)
Fair play tiebreaker (based on negative points for yellow and red cards)
Drawing lots
Regardless of Friday's result, the USMNT will still have a chance to qualify for the Round of 16 when they meet Iran on Tuesday, Nov. 29 (2 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo).