Weston McKennie admits the USMNT has its own 'SWAGGER' after beating Iran to reach the World Cup knockout stage as he insists young team of 'brothers' relishes 'pressure'
- Weston McKennie praised the solidarity of the USA squad after their 1-0 victory
- The Juventus midfielder sung the praises of his team and their collective bond
- Netherlands await the CONCACAF side in the Round of 16 this Saturday morning
- McKennie played a vital role in the US' progression to the World Cup knockouts
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- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Weston McKennie spoke glowingly about the attitude and togetherness of the USA roster following their thrilling 1-0 win over Iran.
The three points seals a place in the Round of 16 for Gregg Berhalter's team who will play the Netherlands on Saturday morning.
'We have our own swagger, we have our own style,' McKennie said postgame to FOX Sports.
![Weston McKennie produced a beautiful cross-field pass to Sergino Dest who set up the goal](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/21/65065621-11483293-image-a-25_1669758157390.jpg)
Weston McKennie produced a beautiful cross-field pass to Sergino Dest who set up the goal
'We have our own way that we play, the way we connect with each other. We did it today.'
It came close to being an unmitigated disaster for the US when Iran almost leveled on several occasions late on.
'At the end, a heart-dropping, sinking moment but we got it done and we're excited to still be here,' McKennie continued.
![The Juventus man saluted the USA support inside the Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/21/65065603-11483293-image-a-26_1669758187677.jpg)
The Juventus man saluted the USA support inside the Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday night
Much has been made of this USA team and its potential -- both heading into, and since the tournament began.
Though it was the 11 Americans on the field who let their play do the talking.
'We wanted to control our own destiny. We knew we could handle it,' McKennie said.
'And you guys can see, we're -- I don't want to say a bad word, but we're a really close group of guys, we're brothers.
'We love this type of stuff. We love the pressure, we love the excitement.'
![Tyler Adams and McKennie celebrate jubilantly following the sole goal of the game](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/21/65063967-11482801-image-a-21_1669756364411.jpg)
Tyler Adams and McKennie celebrate jubilantly following the sole goal of the game
Star turn Christian Pulisic scored the sole goal of the game but it came at a cost, with the Chelsea winger substituted at half-time due to injury.
'Obviously we're very thankful that he threw his body there, but the thing is, we have 25 other guys outside of Christian that would do the same thing, I believe,' McKennie said.
'We know what our goal is, we know what we want to do, what we want to accomplish, and everybody is willing to give everything.
'Unfortunately he had to come out. But if you see the stature Christian has and he's throwing his body on the line, that should tell you enough what the team means and how close this team is.'
![Christian Pulisic threw himself into the fire, ultimately succumbing to an injury in the first half](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/29/21/65063513-11483293-image-a-41_1669758863374.jpg)
Christian Pulisic threw himself into the fire, ultimately succumbing to an injury in the first half
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