No injuries reported from either camp, but it is likely that American coach Steve Sampson has the more shuffling to do. The Americans were "taken to school" by Germany in their opening game, according to the coach, and he is contemplating major renovations.
Tab Ramos and Frankie Hedjuk, second half subs the last day, are expected to start, and Sampson seems likely to scrap the excessively cautious tactic of picking six natural midfielders in favour of something a little more assertive.
His team's over reliance on crosses is something which Sampson has been working on and he hopes to free up playmaker Claudio Reyna to produce something a little more creative tomorrow. No non-aggression pact with the Iranians then. Sampson has also hinted that he may draft Alexi Lalas or Marcelo Balboa into the defence to provide some extra beef.
The Iranians are less open about their plans.
Coach Jalal Talebi has fewer resources at his disposal than his counterpart and it is suggested that he will pick the same team which performed credibly against a disappointing Yugoslav team in the opening game. They lost that game to a Mijatovic free kick 15 minutes from time having defended solidly for the rest of the game.
Khakpour will marshal the rearguard action again leaving Bagheri prodding from midfield and Azizi and Daei (just signed for Bayern Munich) making the runs on goal. The midfield works phenomenally hard at man-marking the more inventive players in the opposition midfield.
Might just be enough to save their honour.
Key Player: Eric Wynalda
Age: 29. CLUB: San Jose Clash
Caps: 99. GOALS: 31. Endured a lonely afternoon against the Germans in the opening game as he suffered from his manager's tactics of crowding the midfield and abandoning the attack. Has been promised more support tomorrow in what will be his hundredth international. His nation's top scorer ever.
Strengths: Pace, accuracy and a reliable enough contributor from dead balls and penalty kicks.
Weaknesses: Has been criticised for his reluctance to come back and work for the ball when things aren't going his way.
