USMNT World Cup Daily, Day 15

Ahead of the U.S.'s must-win game against Iran, one of the most surreal press conferences I have ever attended.

At just 23, U.S. captain Tyler Adams showed remarkable composure and humility facing hostile questions from Iranian state-affiliated media at a surreal press conference ahead of Tuesday’s USA-Iran World Cup game (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

DOHA, Qatar — First off, let’s address the two news headlines that came out of today’s surreal press conference ahead of the giant must-win showdown for the U.S. against Iran on Tuesday for the U.S. to advance to the World Cup knockout rounds:

• For a game in which I would love to see Tim Weah start at the centerforward position and allow Gio Reyna or Brenden Aaronson to start out wide, putting the best U.S. players on the field, coach Gregg Berhalter threw cold water on that idea.

---

GrantWahl.com is reader-supported. Free and paid subscriptions are available. This is how I make a living, and quality journalism and traveling to Qatar require resources. The best way to support me and my work is by taking out a paid subscription now.

---