‘The big surprise’: Player Spurs sold for £6m becomes national hero after World Cup display last night

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Cameron Carter-Vickers got the chance to shine for the United States at the World Cup last night.

The defender was sold by Tottenham to Celtic in the summer for £6 million, but had not played in either of his country’s first two World Cup matches.

Last night, with a win over Iran needed, manager Gregg Barhalter put Carter-Vickers in for Walker Zimmerman and it paid off.

He helped the USA keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 win, which sets up a last 16 clash with the Netherlands on Saturday afternoon.

Carter-Vickers shines at the World Cup

Goal USA handed him a huge write-up after the game, saying: “The big surprise on the team sheet more than justified his selection.

“Carter-Vickers replaced Zimmerman, a stalwart who had started both of the World Cup games so far. Benching Zimmerman was a big call by Berhalter, especially given the fact that Carter-Vickers and Tim Ream had never played together.

“Consider it a stroke of genius. Likely brought in due to his ability to contain Iran’s counters, Carter-Vickers settled into the game nicely. The centre back lost a few aerial duals early, but grew as the game went on, limiting Iran even as the trailing team pushed forward.

“Credit must also go to Ream, who was faultless yet again and may just be the USMNT’s most impressive player at this tournament.

“What a game it was for the two centre backs, both of whom seemed like they wouldn’t even be in this squad a month or two ago.”

America impressed against England and the question was whether they could keep up their performance levels for such a huge game.

Last night, they got the goal they needed to win the game and qualify for the knockout rounds unbeaten via Christian Pulisic.

From what we have seen in Qatar, USA have a chance of beating the Netherlands, who will be the favourites but are yet to catch fire at the tournament yet.