Doha, Nov. 30 -- Christian Pulisic's decisive strike helped USA beat Iran 1-0 to set up an intriguing FIFA World Cup last-16 encounter with the Netherlands.

The US started at express pace, swarming all over Carlos Queiroz's team and working Alireza Beyranvand with a header from Pulisic and Sergino Dest's fizzing low cross.

Beyramvand should have been further extended after 28 minutes but Tim Weah wasn't aware he lacked company in the penalty box and lobbed a tame headed attempt into the goalkeeper's gloves.

Iran didn't muster a corner, let alone a shot, in the opening 45 minutes. And USA capitalised on their dominance seven minutes before the break.

Weston McKennie spread a ball to Dest, speeding behind the Iranian defence, and the ou...