Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers became the fourth Celtic player to start a match at the 2022 World Cup tonight, featuring for the United States in a massive game against Iran.
The USA needed a win to progress to the last 16 of the tournament, while the Iranians only needed a draw after England thrashed Wales in the other Group B encounter. As you can imagine it was a tense affair and one of the biggest matches of Carter-Vickers’ career so far.
The Americans emerged 1-0 victors on the night after a close-range Christian Pulisic finish from Sergino Dest’s deft headed square ball. Carter-Vickers was a key man in the match, especially as Iran pushed for that much-needed equaliser towards the end.
The Celtic man had a very accomplished 90 minutes overall next to veteran defender Tim Ream, standing up well physically to the challenge of his opponents and recycling the ball well in possession – just as he does in Scotland.
On this showing, he’ll have done his chances of featuring against the Netherlands in the next round no harm at all.
The centre-back had a busy match with 66 touches of the ball across the 90 minutes, completing 51 of his 59 attempted passes – six of those were into the final third as the USA asserted their authority on the match in the first half.
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Defensively he completed four clearances and recovered the ball four times, winning five of eight duels, four of which were in the air. [FotMob/Opta]
More than all of that was just the way he carried himself in the match. He was composed and calm and never really looked like conceding or making a mistake. At this level, with so much on the line, that has to be admired.
He’s getting reviews on social media too, so he’s made a name of himself with the USA supporters, which will undoubtedly help his profile off the field.
As mentioned, it’s the Netherlands in the last 16 and I’d be excited to see what he could do up against a much tougher attacking force in that one. Well done and congratulations Cameron!
In other news, Celtic announce Pittodrie ticket allocation for return of Ange Postecoglou’s Bhoys.