DANIEL MATTHEWS IN LOS ANGELES: President Trump later confirmed that he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the red card, sparking outrage in some quarters.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN KANSAS CITY: What a night it should be and what a glorious quirk of Messi's marathon international career, the 39-year-old has never faced England.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN LOS ANGELES: With this quarterfinal hanging in the balance, Courtois gave way for Senne Lammens. What a disaster this was for the Manchester United goalkeeper.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: The Argentinian, 54, has a four-contract extension on the table that would take him through to the end of the 2030 World Cup, but he hasn't signed it.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: The build-up was dominated by FIFA's extraordinary decision to allow Balogun to play - despite the striker being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: Even though USA star Balogun was controversially cleared to play, it was Belgian striker Charles De Ketelaere who decided this World Cup showdown.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN LOS ANGELES: Canada and South Africa stunk the place out. That was until the ball broke to Canada midfielder Stephen Eustaquio in stoppage time.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: The team's campaign has been dogged by travel and visa restrictions as well as weeks of mudslinging between Iranian officials and the US authorities.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: One huge step into the knockout rounds and one giant question answered: How would the USA cope without the injured Christian Pulisic ? Perfectly fine.
DANIEL MATTHEWS IN SEATTLE: Iran vowed to complain to FIFA over restrictions 'imposed by the organizers' after claiming their team was being treated differently to the other 47 countries