It's a great day for a premier international wrestling event and a great day for live blogging, and so we will do both here in the Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Iowa as we follow the men's and women's freestyle wrestling World Cup in real-time.

The American men and women have two duals each today on Day 1. Tomorrow is third and first place matches for both men's and women's freestyle. 

The duals today determine what, if any, placement Team USA will wrestle for. The men's quad takes on Mongolia at 11:00 AM eastern, and Georgia later at 7:00 PM eastern. The women wrestle China at 12:30 PM eastern and then wrap up the day with the All-World team at 8:30 PM. 

The full schedule can be found here. The list of rosters is here. All the archives can be found here (search for a wrestler or team to pull up the specific match you're looking for). Box scores will be at the top of the article, followed by the live blog. 

BOX SCORES

Men's Freestyle

Pool A

1) USA (2-0)

2) Georgia (1-1)

3) Mongolia (0-2)

Pool B

1) Iran (2-0)

2) All-World Team (1-1)

3) Japan (0-0)

1st place bout: USA vs Iran

3rd place bout: Georgia vs All-World Team

Round 1

USA 7, Mongolia 3

57: Zane Richards (United States) VFO Nasanbuyan Narmandakh (Mongolia), 10-0

61: Seth Gross (United States) VFO Munkh Altansuvd (Mongolia), 0-0

65: Tulga Tumurochir (Mongolia) VFO John Diakomihalis (United States), 10-3

70: Tyler Berger (United States) VSU Munkhtulga Zuunbayan (Mongolia), 10-0 2:53

74: Sumiyabazar Zandanbud (Mongolia) VPO Vincenzo Joseph (United States), 8-0

79: Jordan Burroughs (United States) VSU Temuujin Mendbileg (Mongolia), 10-0 1:05

86: Zahid Valencia (United States) VSU Bat Bayasgalan (Mongolia), 10-0 0:29

92: Nathan Jackson (United States) VFO Byambadorj Baterdene (Mongolia), 0-0

97: Kyle Snyder (United States) VFO Batzul Ulziisaikhan (Mongolia), 0-0

125: Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (Mongolia) VPO1 Hayden Zillmer (United States), 3-1

Iran 9, Japan 1

57: Reza Momenijoujadeh (Iran) VPO1 Taichi Yamaguchi (Japan), 6-5

61: Kaito Morikawa (Japan) VSU1 Ebrahim Elahichouran (Iran), 13-2 5:33

65: Mohammadreza Bagheri (Iran) VPO1 Ryoma Anraku (Japan), 2-1

70: Aliakbar Fazli (Iran) VPO1 Keitaro Ono (Japan), 9-6

74: Mohmmadsadegh Firouzpour(Iran) VPO1 Kirin Kinoshita (Japan), 3-1

79: Ali Savadkouhi (Iran) VSU Yajuro Yamasaki (Japan), 11-0 4:09

86: Alireza Karimi (Iran) VSU Tatsuya Shirai (Japan), 11-0 5:44

92: Kamran Ghasempour (Iran) VSU Satoshi Miura (Japan), 10-0 2:27

97: Amirali Azarpira (Iran) VSU1 Yohei Shinada (Japan), 13-2 3:24

125: Amirreza Masoumi (Iran) VSU Hiroto Ninomiya (Japan), 10-0 1:51

Round 2

Georgia 7, Mongolia 3

57: Zanabazar Zandanbud (Mongolia) VPO1 Beka Bujiashvili (Georgia), 9-6

61: Teimuraz Vanishvili (Georgia) VFO Munkh Altansuvd (Mongolia), 0-0

65: Tulga Tumurochir (Mongolia) VSU Beka Lomtadze (Georgia), 11-0 5:10

70: Giorgi Elbakidze (Georgia) VSU1 Tsogtbaatar Damdinbazar (Mongolia), 11-1 1:54

74: Giorgi Sulava (Georgia) VFA Sumiyabazar Zandanbud (Mongolia), 9-4 5:37

79: Vladimeri Gamkrelidze (Georgia) VSU1 Batmagnai Batchuluun (Mongolia), 12-2 3:36

86: Sandro Aminashvili (Georgia) VPO1 Bat Bayasgalan (Mongolia), 8-1

92: Miriani Maisuradze (Georgia) VFO Byambadorj Baterdene (Mongolia), 0-0

97: Givi Matcharashvili (Georgia) VFO Batzul Ulziisaikhan (Mongolia), 0-0

125: Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur (Mongolia) VFA Solomon Manashvili (Georgia), 8-1 2:46

All-World 9, Japan 1

57: Zelimkhan Abakarov (All World Team) VPO Taichi Yamaguchi (Japan), 3-0

61: Kaito Morikawa (Japan) VSU Georgi Vangelov (All World Team), 10-0 1:18

65: Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (All World Team) VPO1 Ryoma Anraku (Japan), 4-1

70: Ernazar Akmataliev (All World Team) VSU Keitaro Ono (Japan), 11-0 1:34

74: Tajmuraz Salkazanov (All World Team) VSU Kirin Kinoshita (Japan), 10-0 2:33

79: Arsalan Budazhapov (All World Team) VPO1 Yajuro Yamasaki (Japan), 5-2

86: Azamat Dauletbekov (All World Team) VSU Tatsuya Shirai (Japan), 11-0 5:49

92: Osman Nurmagomedov (All World Team) VSU Satoshi Miura (Japan), 10-0 0:40

97: Batyrbek Tsakulov (All World Team) VSU Yohei Shinada (Japan), 10-0 0:43

125: Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi (All World Team) VSU Hiroto Ninomiya (Japan), 11-0 1:38

Round 3

USA 10, Georgia 0

57: Nicholas Suriano (United States) VPO1 Beka Bujiashvili (Georgia), 6-3

61: Seth Gross (United States) VSU Teimuraz Vanishvili (Georgia), 11-0 1:30

65: Yianni Diakomihalis (United States) VSU Beka Lomtadze (Georgia), 11-0 1:18

70: Alec Pantaleo (United States) VPO Giorgi Elbakidze (Georgia), 8-0

74: Jason Nolf (United States) VSU Giorgi Sulava (Georgia), 10-0 4:05

79: Jordan Burroughs (United States) VPO1 Vladimeri Gamkrelidze (Georgia), 5-3

86: Zahid Valencia (United States) VSU Sandro Aminashvili (Georgia), 11-0 0:56

92: Nathan Jackson (United States) VPO1 Miriani Maisuradze (Georgia), 10-4

97: Kyle Snyder (United States) VPO Givi Matcharashvili (Georgia), 6-0

125: Hayden Zillmer (United States) VPO1 Solomon Manashvili (Georgia), 8-7 4:25

Iran 6, All-World Team 4

57: Zelimkhan Abakarov (All World Team) VSU1 Reza Momeni (Iran), 12-2 5:42

61: Georgi Vangelov (All World Team) VPO1 Ebrahim Elahi (Iran), 5-1

65: Rahman Amouzad (Iran) VPO Taiyrbek Zhumashbek Uulu (All World Team), 5-0

70: Amir Yazdani (Iran) VPO1 Ernazar Akmataliev (All World Team), 10-7

74: Tajmuraz Salkazanov (All World Team) VPO Mohmmadsadegh Firouzpour (Iran), 9-0

79: Mohammad Nokhodi (Iran) VSU1 Arsalan Budazhapov (All World Team), 12-2 1:57

86: Alireza Karimi (Iran) VPO Azamat Dauletbekov (All World Team), 4-0

92: Osman Nurmagomedov (All World Team) VPO1 Amirhossein Firouzpour (Iran), 10-10

97: Amirali Azarpira (Iran) VSU Batyrbek Tsakulov (All World Team), 10-0 5:38

125: Amirreza Masoumi (Iran) VSU Oleksandr Khotsianivskyi (All World Team), 12-0 

Women's Freestyle

Pool A

1) Ukraine (2-0)

2) Mongolia (1-1)

3) Japan (0-2)

Pool B

1) China (2-0)

2) USA (1-1)

3) All-World Team (0-2)

1st place bout: Ukraine vs China

2nd place bout: USA vs Mongolia

Round 1

China 8, USA 2

50: Jiang Zhu (China) VSU Emily Shilson (United States), 10-0 0:48

53: Li Deng (China) VSU Amy Fearnside (United States), 10-0 2:43

55: Qianyu Pang (China) VPO Jenna Burkert (United States), 4-0

57: Yongxin Feng (China) VSU Amanda Martinez (United States), 10-0 0:59

59: Qi Zhang (China) VSU Michaela Beck (United States), 11-0 2:32

62: Xiaojuan Luo (China) VPO1 Kayla Miracle (United States), 6-4

65: Jia Long (China) VPO1 Mallory Velte (United States), 12-8

68: Feng Zhou (China) VSU Sienna Ramirez (United States), 10-0 0:59

72: Amit Elor (United States) VPO Qiandegenchagan Qiandegenchagan (China), 5-0

76: Dymond Guilford (United States) VPO1 Juan Wang (China), 7-2

Mongolia 5, Japan 5 (Mongolia wins on criteria, most pins)

50: Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (Mongolia) VPO1 Hanano Sakurai (Japan), 3-3

53: Rino Kataoka (Japan) VPO1 Otgonjargal Ganbaatar (Mongolia), 5-1

55: Moe Kiyooka (Japan) VPO1 Bolortuya Bat ochir (Mongolia), 6-4

57: Ruka Natami (Japan) VPO Erdenesuvd Erdene (Mongolia), 3-0

59: Himeka Tokuhara (Japan) VPO1 Sumiya Erdenechimeg (Mongolia), 5-3

62: Tserenchimed Sukhee (Mongolia) VPO1 Yui Sakano (Japan), 7-5

65: Orkhon Purevdorj (Mongolia) VPO1 Miyu Imai (Japan), 9-4

68: Purevsuren Ulziisaikhan (Mongolia) VFA Kumi Kobayashi (Japan), 6-0 1:30

72: Davaanasan Enkh amar (Mongolia) VFO Yuka Fujikura (Japan), 0-0

76: Nodoka Yamamoto (Japan) VPO Burmaa Ochirbat (Mongolia), 2-0

Round 2

Ukraine 7, Mongolia 3

50: Otgonjargal Dolgorjav (Mongolia) VPO1 Oksana Livach (Ukraine), 8-2

53: Otgonjargal Ganbaatar (Mongolia) VPO1 Albina Rillia (Ukraine), 6-4

55: Alina Hrushyna (Ukraine) VFA Bolortuya Batochir (Mongolia), 5-0 2:12

57: Yuliia Tkach (Ukraine) VFA Erdenesuvd Erdene (Mongolia), 2-0 0:25

59: Iryna Bondar (Ukraine) VFA Davaachimeg Erkhembayar (Mongolia), 4-0 1:00

62: Tserenchimed Sukhee (Mongolia) VPO1 Iryna Koliadenko (Ukraine), 12-7

65: Kateryna Zelenykh (Ukraine) VPO1 Orkhon Purevdorj (Mongolia), 12-10

68: Tetiana Sova (Ukraine) VPO1 Purevsuren Ulziisaikhan (Mongolia), 5-2

72: Alla Belinska (Ukraine) VPO1 Davaanasan Enkhamar (Mongolia), 6-5

76: Anastasiia Osniach (Ukraine) VFA Tsevegmed Enkhbayar (Mongolia), 4-0 0:56

China 5, All-World Team 5 (China wins on criteria -- most pins, defaults or DQs)

50: Jiang Zhu (China) VFA Anna Lukasiak (All World Team), 4-2 5:25

53: Li Deng (China) VPO1 Maria Prevolaraki (All World Team), 2-1

55: Qianyu Pang (China) VPO Karla Godinez gonzalez (All World Team), 4-0

57: Yongxin Feng (China) VIN Zhala Aliyeva (All World Team), 14-6 3:56

59: Anastasia Nichita (All World Team) VFA Qi Zhang (China), 2-1 3:17

62: Aisuluu Tynybekova (All World Team) VPO Xiaojuan Luo (China), 4-0

65: Mimi Hristova (All World Team) VPO1 Jia Long (China), 10-8

68: Irina Ringaci (All World Team) VPO1 Feng Zhou (China), 7-4

72: Zhamila Bakbergenova (All World Team) VPO1 Qiandegenchagan (China), 4-2

76: Juan Wang (China) VPO1 Yasemin Adar (All World Team), 5-1

Round 3

Ukraine 5, Japan 5 (Ukraine wins via criteria -- most pins)

50: Hanano Sakurai (Japan) VPO1 Oksana Livach (Ukraine), 3-1

53: Rino Kataoka (Japan) VPO1 Albina Rillia (Ukraine), 2-2

55: Alina Hrushyna (Ukraine) VPO Moe Kiyooka (Japan), 3-0

57: Yuliia Tkach (Ukraine) VPO Ruka Natami (Japan), 4-0

59: Iryna Bondar (Ukraine) VPO1 Himeka Tokuhara (Japan), 6-4

62: Yui Sakano (Japan) VSU1 Iryna Koliadenko (Ukraine), 13-2 4:54

65: Miyu Imai (Japan) VPO1 Kateryna Zelenykh (Ukraine), 4-4

68: Tetiana Sova (Ukraine) VFA Kumi Kobayashi (Japan), 6-0 1:19

72: Alla Belinska (Ukraine) VFO Yuka Fujikura (Japan), 0-0

76: Nodoka Yamamoto (Japan) VPO1 Anastasiia Osniach (Ukraine), 2-2

USA 6, All-World Team 4

50: Erin Golston (United States) VPO Anna Lukasiak (All World Team), 6-0

53: Maria Prevolaraki (All World Team) VPO1 Felicity Taylor (United States), 4-1

55: Jenna Burkert (United States) VPO Karla Godinez (All World Team), 4-0

57: Alexandra Hedrick (United States) VFA Zhala Aliyeva (All World Team), 0-0 0:00

59; Anastasia Nichita (All World Team) VSU1 Lexie Basham (United States), 12-2 2:37

62: Kayla Miracle (United States) VPO1 Aisuluu Tynybekova (All World Team), 9-3

65: Mallory Velte (United States) VSU Mimi Hristova (All World Team), 12-0 5:31

68: Irina Ringaci (All World Team) VPO1 Solin Piearcy (United States), 4-2

72: Zhamila Bakbergenova (All World Team) VPO Skylar Grote (United States), 6-0

76: Yelena Makoyed (United States) VFA Yasemin Adar (All World Team), 7-4 3:34

Live Blog

Men: USA vs Mongolia

57kg: Zane Richards (USA) vs #8 Zanabazar Zandanbud (MGL)

1st period: Richards snags a single leg on his first committed shot and he climbs up and finishes for two. The two-time All-American from Illinois leads the 2022 world bronze medalists by 2 half way through the period. Zandanbud defends an arm drag, Richards defends an attack. Zane gets Zandanbud in a front headlong, actually has a leg as well and rolls through for 4 more points on the exposure. Kind of a cradle/mixer. Period ends, Richards up 6-0.

2nd period: Action continues, nice flurry to start things. Richards drops down on a single leg, converts again and he's within 2 points from teching a world bronze. Down block go behind and Richards seals the deal. 10-0 tech fall! Great stuff from the Illini alum to kick off the 2022 World Cup. 

USA 1, MGL 0

61kg: Seth Gross (USA) receives a forfeit

Team Mongolia are down two weight classes, unfortunately. Travel problems from what I understand. 92kg is the other weight they will forfeit. 

 USA 2, MGL 0

65kg: #4 Yianni DIakomihalis (USA) vs #15 Tulga Tumurochir (MGL)

1st period: Two world medalists on the mat right now. Yianni won silver in 2022, Tumurochir was a bronze medalist in 2021. Tulga wasting no time, goes arm spin, comes around for the takedown, then guts Yianni over for two more. It's 4-0 Mongolia after 35 seconds. Yianni answers with a single leg that he finishes to cut the lead in half. Tulga almost hada step out but it's white paddled (waved off) by the officials. Still 4-2 MGL at the break.

2nd period: Yianni in on another shot, furious defense from Tulga, he does well to hold Yianni to a one-point step out. Level change and under hook whip-over attempt from Tulga. They say they hit the mat before the exposure, which barely broke the 90 degree threshold, so two more for Tulga and it's 6-3 Mongolia. 90 seconds left in the match. Tulga taking ground. He drives Yianni out twice but it's ruled 'grounded action' so no step out point. Less than a minute remains. Arm spin by Tulga and that's a four-point dagger to make it 10-3, now short time left on the clock. And that's how the match ends. Tough one for Yianni against a determined foe. 

USA 2, MGL 1

70kg: Tyler Berger (USA) vs Munkhtulga Zuunbayan (MGL)

1st period: Berger on the attack right off the whistle. Shuck to a takedown, then a trap arm gut as they go out of bounds and Berger has a 4-0 lead. Down on a single leg a bit later and Berger converts to make it 6-0. Berger on another low shot but Mongolia defends and gets a stalemate. No stopping Berger on the next attack. A double with hands behind the knees. Tyler transitions to a leg and gets the 10-0 tech-fall! Flawless victory for the Nebraska All-American, now training at the Pennsylvania-RTC.

USA 3, MGL 1

74kg: Vincenzo Joseph (USA) vs Sumiyabazar Zandanbud (MGL)

1st period: Our second Zandanbud of the event takes on the Penn State two-time NCAA champ, Vincenzo Joseph. Locking up with upper body ties early. Cenzo goes for it, comes close with over-under ties but Zandanbud flattens out and catches Cenzo on his back mid-throw. Joseph easily bellies out and trails 2-0. Cenzo with overties, looking for a trip. Zandanbud backing out of danger. We go to the break, still 2-0. 

2nd period: They lock into upper body ties, a tremendous amount of force being applied by both wrestlers. Two minutes remain in the match. Cenzo inexplicably gets put on the clock while trailing and trying to force upper body action, but nonetheless there's the passivity call and Cenzo has 30 seconds to score or he'll concede a point. Vincenzo gets pushed out of bounds while looking for a throw and gives up the activity clock point. So it's 4-0. Another takedown Zandanbud and it's 6-0. Joseph going all-or-nothing on upper body throws and Zandanbud gets one more takedown on the boundary to ice it. 8-0 is the final.

USA 3, MGL 2

79kg: #1 Jordan Burroughs (USA) vs Temuujin Mendbileg (MGL)

1st period: JB is announced to thunderous applause here in the Xtreme Arena. And Burroughs decided he was going to put on a show. He counters a Mongolia shot and exposes and gets a takedown and a turn for a 4-0 lead. Another shot by Mongolia andBurroughs flips MGL with a whizzer for two, then slaps in a cradle to take Mendbileg over for two more. A restart and Burroughs strikes with a low ankle pick to make it official. 10-0 destruction by the GOAT. 

Good luck stopping this version of Jordan Burroughs!

Team USA wins their opening round dual over Mongolia - 7 matches to 3

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/boRHaVUQLO

— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) December 10, 2022

The Mongolia coach was so impressed he got a selfie with Burroughs after the match. 

Mongolia coach gets a selfie with Burroughs after watching JB destroy his wrestler 10-0. pic.twitter.com/XwGEidTiKn

— Andrew Spey (@SpeyWrestle) December 10, 2022

USA 4, MGL 2

86kg: #7 Zahid Valencia (USA) vs Bat Bayasgalan (MGL)

1st period: High-volume shooter Zahid goes after Mongolia right off the whistle, picks a knee, gets a takedown then goes ham on gut wrenches, turning Mongolia four times to get the 10-0 tech-fall in 30 seconds. The crowd loves it. They are going wild for the tech-maul from the two-time Arizona State NCAA champion. 

USA 5, MGL 2

92kg: #9 Nate Jackson (USA) receives a forfeit

Traveling from Mongolia to America is not the easiest thing to do. Team USA clinches the victory. 

USA 6, MGL 2

97kg: #2 Kyle Snyder (USA) vs Batzul Ulziisaikhan (MGL)

Ulziisaikhan forfeit? Don't know why that happened, Batzul was on the mat. Anyway.

USA 7, MGL 2

125kg: #7 Hayden Zillmer (USA) vs #3 Lkhagvagerel Munkhtar (MGL)

1st period: This match, however, will be wrestled. Mongolia has their two-time world medalist with them so Zillmer will have a very tough opponent. No scores after a minute. Munkhtar taking ground. Zillmer gets put on the activity clock first. No scores from Zillmer so it's 1-0 for Mongolia, and that's how the period ends. 

2nd period: Second period starts with collar ties, Zillmer gets put on the clock again, but now Zillmer in on a shot and he'll get a step out to erase the clock and take the 1-1 lead on criteria. Still a lot of match left. Munkhtar getting aggressive, he gets a step out to regain the lead. And another step out and its 3-1 Mongolia leads. Short time. Zillmer in deep. Coming out the back down. Munktar kicks out of danger and Zillmer can't convert before time expires. So close, but the win eludes Zillmer. 

USA 7, MGL

USA gets three forfeits but wins the contested bouts 4-3. A mixed bag of results but a win is a win. The American men will have a long break and then an even tougher opponent in Team Georgia at 7pm.

Over on mat B, a dual without any forfeits and no early stoppages, Mongolia and Japan's women's teams are locked in an exciting battle. Japan leads 4-2 on wins through six bouts. And Mongolia wrestles their hearts out and defeats Japan 5-5 on classification points. That means if Mongolia beats Ukraine later today they will wrestle for Gold and Japan will at best wrestle for bronze, ending their world cup winning streak at five. 

Women: USA vs China

50kg: Emily Shilson (USA) vs Jiang Zhu (CHN)

1st period: Shilson gives up the first takedown off a down block go behind and Zhu goes up 2-0. Three cut wrenches later and it's 8-0 just like that. Shilson is unable to stop the next shot by Zhu and it's a first period 10-0 tech-fall for Zhu. Rough start for Team USA but there's a lot of wrestling left in this dual. Nine matches to be exact. 

CHN 1, USA 0

53kg: Amy Fearnside (USA) vs Li Deng (CHN)

1st period: Cautious start to the period. Deng gets put on the activity clock but fires off a well-timed double leg to covert for a 2-0 and wipes the activity clock off the board. Another double leg and Deng powers Fearnside to her back for four big points. Fearnside can't stop Deng's double and another feet to back ends the match in the first period with another 10-0 tech-fall for China. 

CHN 2, USA 0

55kg: Jenna Burkert (USA) vs Qianyu Pang (CHN)

1st period: World bronze medalists Jenna Burkert will attempt to reverse the momentum of the dual. Another cautious start. Right about the half way mark of the first Burkert takes a shot, but Pang defends and gets a go behind to take a 2-0 lead, then a gut wrench to make it 4-0. One minute left in the first. A good flurry with Jenna looking for a go behind of her own in short time but the period expires before any more points go on the board. Still 4-0 China.

2nd period: Another cautious start, no scores or flurries after 90 seconds. Jenna picks up her rate of attack late in the match but it's not enough, she'll fall to Pang, 4-0. 

CHN 3, USA 0

57kg: Amanda Martinez (USA) vs Yongxin Feng (CHN)

1st period: Big double leg takedown for two early in the period for Fend. She adds two more on a gut wrench. Trap arm locked up and Fend rolls Martinez through three more times to make it another 10-0 tech-fall in the first period. China not messing around. 

CHN 4, USA 0

59kg: Michaela Beck (USA) vs Qi Zhang (CHN)

1st period: Smooth hi-c for Zhang who converts for a takedown. China continues to dominate par-terre and Beck is taken over twice for four points. Zhang leads 6-0 and we go out of bounds for a restart one minute into the bout. Another takedown and its 8-0, plus a penalty point on Beck for illegal toe hold (I think). Restart in par terre and Beck gets turned for an 11-0 tech-fall. USA will need to win the last five bouts by either pin or tech to win the dual.

CHN 5, USA 0

62kg: Kayla Miracle (USA) vs Xianjuan Luo (CHN)

1st period: Two-time world medalist Kayla Miracle will try and keep USA's slim but still existing hopes alive. Shot by Luo takes Miracle to the boundary. They call it two and so Luo leads 2-0. A slow period otherwise and it ends, same score. 

2nd period: Sweep single by Miracle, far ankle defense from Luo but Miracle powers through and collects the 2 points and gains the lead on criteria. The crowd finally has something to cheer about and they relish the opportunity. Another scramble, they're on the mat, Miracle goes for a crotch lift but Luo counters and it's 4-0, plus a high leg lace to make it 6-0 with under 10 seconds left in the match. Miracle gets a takedown at the buzzer but she needed feet to back and will fall just short of a victory. China wins 6-4. China also has the dual locked up. 

CHN 6, USA 0

65kg: Mallory Velte (USA) Jia Long (CHN)

1st period: Another two-time world medalist takes the mat for Team USA. Nice flurry to star the period but no scores. No Velte gets a better grip on Long's legs and she'll get the takedown and the first, first period lead of the day for the American women. Wrestling continues at a high pace. Long tries an inside trip but Velte counters and secures another takedown to make it 4-0. Single leg for Long and she fights through a whizzer from Velta to score her first points of the bout. Velte still leads 4-2, now in short time in the first. We go to the second, still 4-2 USA. 

2nd period: The most exciting bout of the dual continues. Velte shoots in on a double and drives Long to the mat for a big four-point maneuver, that puts long in a deep 8-2 hole in the second. Long answers though with two takedowns of her own to pull within two points. Another gut wrench after the second takedown and its 8-8 but Velte still has criteria. But no longer, as a second gut makes it 10-8, China. They go out of bounds so 45 seconds left in the match, neutral restart. Velte on the comeback trail, but she gets stopped on a shot and Long gets a go behind to ice it 12-8. Another victory for China with just three bouts to go. 

CHN 7, USA 0

68kg: Sienna Ramirez (USA) vs Fend Zhou (CHN)

1st period: Zhou gets big off the whistle and doubles Ramirez off the mat. Just two as Ramirez is able to belly out in time, but she is unable to stop Zhou's par terre offense as she gets gutted four times in rapid succession and China wins with a 10-0 tech. 

CHN 8, USA 0

72kg: Amit Elor (USA) vs Qiandegenchagan (CHN) 

1st period: The reigning 72kg world champ will try to stave off a blanking for Team USA. Elor is off to a good start with step out point in the first 30 seconds. Elor is close to a takedown about a minute later but a stout whizzer and savvy positioning keeps the score at 1-0. China tries to go upper body but Elor counters and gets two more to extend her lead to 3-0. China keeps going for a upper body throw but Elor is ready. Fights off one attempt, then times a nice throw by to counter for two more on the next attempt. An arm bundle almost gets a turn but Elor settles for a 5-0 lead at the break. 

2nd period: The upper body locks continue in the second. Both wrestlers coming close to whipping the other over but it's still 5-0 with a minute to go. China goes for another throw but it's ruled a slip. 30 seconds left. China not slowing down or backing off. 10 seconds. And Amit Elor gets Team USA's women their first win of the event! 

CHN 8, USA 1

76kg: Dymond Guilford (USA) vs Juan Wang (CHN)

1st period: A tactical start to the bout and China goes on the clock after 90 seconds of zero scoring. No much in the way of attacks from Wang and Guilford picks up the first point of the match. Then in short time a thunderous double leg to Wang's back for four points. Plus a lace before time expires. 7-0 lead for Guilford and the crowd showers her with applause. 

2nd period: Wang responds with a double leg early in the second for her first points of the bout. Guilford's lead narrows to 7-2. 9- seconds left in the match. 30 seconds to go. And Guilford defends for the rest of the period to take the 7-2 win and give the American fans another reason to stand up and cheer, which they take advantage of with alacrity. Great win for Guilford even though Team USA falls to China in the dual. 

CHN 8, USA 2

We'll have an extended break before the American take the mat again. The men at 7 and the women at 8:30 easter time. 

Iran will likely close out Japan here but right now it's 5-1 in their favor on Mat A in the men's competition. 

Big international wrestling events are daunting endevours. It's nigh impossible for everything to go perfectly, and quite often its a big mess (the forfeits are but one example), however, I think it's worthwhile to take a step back every once and awhile and appreciate just how special it is to have something like this take place in America. 

Ghasempour signing autographs for a bunch of American kids. The World Cup kicks ass. pic.twitter.com/H7cx6DYf1A

— Andrew Spey (@SpeyWrestle) December 10, 2022

Nice. Okay, back to wrestling!

In the second round, in which each pool will have 1 dual, so four matches in total (one for each pool in the men's and women's styles), the Ukrainian woman dropped their first two bouts against Mongolia before storming back, eventually winning 7-3 and setting up a big match next round with Japan to win the pool. 

On the men's side, Georgia also be the Mongolians by the score of 7-3. That sets up Team USA and the Georgians for a battle for the pool title later tonight. 

In the other pools, the All-World Team dominated the Japanese men, winning 9-1. That eliminates Japan from the medal matches, and their team gets to hang out and watch tomorrow. The All-World Team has a match with Iran later tonight that will decide the winner and runnerup for that pool. 

On the women's side, China outlasted the All-World Team in a slugfest, winning 5-5 on critera (one pin and one injury default for China to just one pin for the All-World Team). That clinches the gold medal match for China and means Team USA has to beat the All-World Team to wrestle for bronze, otherwise their tournament is over. 

Men: USA vs Georgia

57kg: 57kg: Nick Suriano (USA) vs Beka Bujiashvili (GEO)

1st period: Men's matches are being delayed right now. No idea what the deal is but Detective Jon Kozak is on the case and I will report back when I hear more. And I have nothing to report but better late than never! Anyway, on to the wrestling! This is a rematch of a 2021 bout from the Henri Deglane in France that Suriano won. Nick is off to a good start, with a big double. He then transitions into a lace and gets two more to go up 4-0. Long pause to clean up some blood and we're back in business with less than a minute to go in the period. Said period ends with no further scores, Suriano leads 4-0 still. 

2nd period: Suriano holding center, keeping Bujiashvili from getting in deep. Nick is then given a caution and one for hands to the face, or a heavy club, not sure. Maybe a head butt? Either way, the score is 4-1 and the fans don't like it, lots of boos. Suriano answers with another takedown to make it 6-1. Now Bujiashvilion the attack, grabs a single, then eventually climbs up for two. 6-3 Suriano but short time on the clock. Time expires and Suriano gets the dub! 6-3 is the final and Team USA has the first win of the dual. 

USA 1, GEO 0

61kg: #7 Seth Gross (USA) vs Teimuraz Vanishvili (GEO)

1st period: Two-on one ties from Gross, he craftily drops down to grab a single, then finishes through a cut-back defense from Vanishvili. Two more on a turn, although Georia challenges saying they initiated the attack. It was a one of those scrambles in par terre that Gross often finds himself in. Tough call, Georgia reached back and it could have been his action on the roll through but the review judge disagrees and it's "Challenge lost!" so Gross leads 5-0. Gross back to the two-on-one, trying to kick out a leg, then throws the arm down and covers for two. He's got a trap arm, rolls Vanishvili thru for a 9-0 lead, then again to make it 11-0 and he's got the tech-fall secured! The crowd is on their feet as America wins the first two bouts!

USA 2, GEO 0

65kg: #4 Yianni Diakomihalis (USA) vs Beka Lomtadze (GEO)

1st period: Yianni on a mission, goes for a low double, flips out the back door for two, then scrambles for a bit and guts Lomtadze out of bounds for two more. Goes right back on the attack on the restart and gets two more. Lomtadze dinged for fleeing and they go back to par terre. With the score 7-0 Yianni locks up a lace, goes half-standing with it and turns Lomtadze twice to to win 11-0 and the crowd stands again to applaud back-to-back dominance. 

USA 3, GEO 0

70kg: Alec Pantaleo (USA) vs Giorgi Elbakidze (GEO)

1st period: Single leg for Pantaleo and a big trip to return Elbakidze to the mat an collect the first two points of the bout. Things slow down a bit after that as they lock horns in collar ties for the next 90 seconds or so. We go to the break, still 2-0. 

2nd period: Another single leg for Pantaleo and he's strong enough to muscle Elbakidze's leg off the mat and wrangles him to the mat for a 4-0 lead. Elbakidze on the attack but Pantaleo has his shots has the timing down and he down blocks and goes behind for a 6-0 lead. 90 seconds left in the bout. Now a shot by Pantaleo, sweep double and he finishes cleanly for two more and an 8-0 lead. Less than a minute now, Alec firmly in command of this match. That'll do it and it's a shut out win for Pantaleo, 8-0! 

USA 4, GEO 

74kg: Jason Nolf (USA) vs Giorgi Sulava (GEO)

1st period: Nolf starts the match very physically. Hits a nifty cross-body duck to score the first points. Back to their feet, Nolf hits an ankle pick, Sulava tries to counter with a slide by, but Nolf wrestles through the position and scores another takedown, then traps an arm and tilts Sulava over for two more. Came close to being able to lock up a pin before he ran out of real estate. Another low shot for Nolf after a neutral restart and it's 8-0 with just a few seconds left in the period. We go to the break, commanding 8-0 lead for Nolf. 

2nd period: Nolf back on the attack, transitions from a front head lock in short offense to a double and drives Sulava out of bounds for pull within one point of a tech. Another scramble but its stalemated with the score 9-0 with 1:54 left on the clock. Georgia challenges, maybe thinking he had an exposure on the scramble? Risky move because if they lose the challenge the bout is over. And that's what happens so 10-0 tech-fall from Nolf thanks to the lost challenge by Georiga. Team USA has outscored Team Georgia 43-3 thru 5 bouts!

79kg: #1 Jordan Burroughs (USA) vs #11 Vladimeri Gamkrelidze (GEO)

1st period: Reigning 79kg gold medalist Jordan Ernest Burroughs with an opportunity to clinch the dual for Team USA. Gamkrelidze is one of Georgia's best wrestlers who just won a U23 world gold, so this will be no cake-walk for JB. Jordan taking ground from Gamkrelidze but Gamkrelidze pivots in time to score a step out on Burroughs. Another similar sequence but action is grounded so still 2-0, now in short time. Period ends 1-0 Georgia. 

2nd period: Gamkrelidze not backing down from Burroughs. He counters a solid shot from Burroughs to take the legend down and grab a 3-0 lead. Burroughs back on his offense, he drives Gamkrelidze off the mat, nearly gets a takedown but the one point is confirmed. On a single leg, Burroughs drives Gamkrelidze off the mat again to make it 3-2. Anther shot from Burroughs, officials refusing to call fleeing on any of these sequences. 3-3 but Gamkrelidze has criteria. Less than a minute to go. Burrough relentless, he getsin on another shot, Gamkrelidze falls out of bounds and this time two is called and confirmed. Jordan takes the 5-3 lead and the crowd is on their feet for the final 20 seconds. Chants of "USA!" serenade Burroughs gets yet another international win, 5-3 is the final. Gamkrelidze was right there for half the match but he couldn't handle Jordan's pace. Not many people can! 

Also USA wins the dual! 

USA 6, GEO 0

86kg: Zahid Valencia (USA) vs Sandro Aminashvili (GEO)

1st period: Zahid is Mr Non-Stop Action, attacking right off the whistle. Drives Amanishvili off the mat for a 1-0 lead. Cross ankle pick in the next exchange gives Valencia a 3-0 lead. Gut wrench makes it 5-0. Level change double for two more, then two turns and that's all she wrote! 11-0 utter destruction, the third 11-0 tech-fall in this dual for Team USA. 

USA 7, GEO 0 

92kg: Nate Jackson (USA) vs Miriani Maisuradze (GEO)

1st period: Jackson wasting no time. He shoots right on the whistle and cram doubles Maisuradze to his back for four! Jackson stays on Maisuradze, shooting in a couple of times but he can't convert. That is until a minute or so later when Jackson hits another double that he finishes for a 6-0 lead. No more scores the rest of the period and we hit the break, Nate leading 6-0 still.

2nd period: Maisuradze in on Jackson's legs after a reattack and he eventually scores two. Then gets a turn to pull within two points. Jackson will hold criteria if Maisuradze get's another takedown. But that calculation is mooted with Jackson scores another takedown to make it 8-4 with just a minute to go. Jackson not slowing down. Maisuradze having trouble keeping pace and Jackson gets another takedown in short time. That'll do it as Nate Jackson wins 10-4 and Team USA keeps their streak going. 

USA 8, GEO 0

97kg: #2 Kyle Snyder (USA) vs #7 Givi Matcharashvili (GEO)

1st period: Snyder attacks right off the whistle, grabs a single, knee slides underneath and gets a big left and return for two points. Another takedown two minutes into the bout and Snyder leads 4-0. That's the score at the break 

2nd period: Snyder shoots and reshoots and reshoots and then Givi hits an extremely ugly desperation lat drop and it's ruled a slip. So still 4-0 but whatever. Givi is then put on the activity clock, which expires and gives Snyder a 5-0 lead. Kyle continues to be the only one attacking. Givi goes out of bounds but it's ruled grounded action. Not much left on the clock as Snyder gets a final step out to make it a 6-0 final score. Snyder victorious!

USA 9, GEO 0

125kg: Hayden Zillmer (USA) vs Solomon Manashvili (GEO)

1st period: A slow start but things pick up about 30 seconds into the bout. A wild flurry with reattacks from both wrestlers ends with a step out for Manashvili. Next sequence is a shot from Manashvili. He's underneath a spawl from Zillmer but the Georgian muscles Hayden into the air and takes him to his back for a big four-point move and a 5-0 lead. That's the score at the break. 

2nd period: Sweep single for Zillmer 30 seconds into the second period and Hayden gets n the board. It's 5-2 when Zillmer grabs hold of an ankle, picking it up and converting for two more to make it 5-4. Manashvili will have criteria with a step out so Zillmer needs a takedown as we have about 90 seconds left in the match. Down block go behind and Zillmer takes the lead 6-5. Now Manashvili needs to score and he's hitting the wall, gas tanks clearly favoring Zillmer. Another go behind extends Zillmer's lead to 8-5. A long scramble and Zillmer gives up a step out but he chewed up some valuable time. Actually Zillmer gets called for fleeing so it's 8-6 and they go in par terre. Manashvili can't turn Zillmer so up to neutral with 18 on the clock. Manashvili is a spent force and more USA chants as Zillmer completes the come-from-behind victory. 8-6 is the final and it's a 10-0 clean sweep by Team USA! USA will wrestle for gold tomorrow evening!

USA 10, GEO 0

On the other mat, Ukraine shockingly ends Japan's tournament with a critieria win. Japan didn't bring any of their number ones (or number twos) due to a conflict with their domestic world team trials process but it's still a surprise to see them go 0-2 on the day. 

Women: USA vs All-World Team

50kg: Erin Golston (USA) vs Anna Lukasiak (AWT/POL)

1st period: A sweep single gives Golston an early two point lead. Good defense from Golston and one successful scramble later and it's 4-0 as we head into the break. 

2nd period: Lukasiak picks up her pace but Golston defends and, importantly, runs down the clock. Just one minute remains. Golston forces a step out and the AWT challenges. They lose and its 6-0 with less than 30 to wrestle. Golston defends and she'll get the shut out win!

USA 1, AWT 0

53kg: Felicity Taylor (USA) vs Maria Prevolaraki (AWT/GRE)

1st period: Iowa finally gets to watch one of their own as native Iowan and member of the Hawkeye women's wrestling team Felicity Taylor takes on a senior world medalist from Greece. A cautious start to the period. Good defense from Taylor and she holds center enough to get Prevolaraki on the activity clock. Taylor collects the activity clock point but Prevolaraki responds with a low level shot that she converts in short time to take the 2-1 lead. That's the score at the break. 

2nd period: About 30 seconds in Taylor locks up a front headlock and brings Prevolaraki to the mat but the sequence is stalemated. We stop for blood from Prevolaraki. Prevolaraki able to get to Taylor's legs. She stalemates after one solid attack but converts the next to take a 4-1 lead. One minute to go. Taylor gives all she's got but Prevolaraki isn't ceding anything and she'll take win 4-1. USA drops their first match of the dual.

USA 1, AWT 1

55kg: Jenna Burkert (USA) vs Karla Godinez (AWT/CAN)

1st period: One of Team USA's world medalists takes the mat against Canada's world medalist Godinez. A very tactical first period where the only points are from the activity clock and Burkert take a 1-0 lead into the break. 

2nd period: Still not much in the way of attacks but Burkert does enough to put Godinez on the clock for the second time. And just before the 30 seconds are up, Burkert hits an ankle pick that she converts for two more, plus she gets the shot clock point (that clock is only erased if the wrestler on the clock scores). 4-0 Burkert with less than a minute to go. Burkert defends to close it out, winning 4-0!

USA 2, AWT 1

57kg: Alex Hedrick (USA) receives a forfeit

The Azeribaijan wrestler got hurt last match so USA gets a crucial win (which also counts as a pin for tiebreaking criteria). 

A true champion wins on the mat, and helps off the mat.#WrestleCoralville | #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/VcQ7AZz7yt

— United World Wrestling (@wrestling) December 10, 2022

USA 3, AWT 1

59kg: Lexie Basham (USA) vs Anastasia Nichita (AWT/MDA)

1st period: Basham takes on the 2022 world champ from Moldova. Nichita strikes first, getting the first takedown right around the one minute mark. Nichita than reaches back and lat whips Basham over for four. She gut wrenches Basham for two more but Basham steps over to make it 8-2. One more turn for Nichita before they go back up to neutral and its 10-2 after that wild scramble. One go behind later and Nichita secures the tech-fall, 12-2.

USA 3, AWT 2

62kg: Kayla Mircale (USA) vs Aisuluu Tynybekova (KGZ)

1st period: Tynybekova is a world champ who beat Miracle, a two-time world medalist in her own right, in the finals of the 2021 World Championships in Oslo, Norway. Tynybekova strikes first, gathering up a single leg and taking Miracle to her back, just two points though as they were already grounded when the action occured. Miracle back on the offensive, but Tynybekova reaches back and whips Miracle over just before they go out of bounds. Or does she?!?! Challenge from the USA corner. And it's a good one! Miracle adjusted in the air and exposed Tynybekova first as they went to the mat and Miracle collects four points. An 8 point challenge! The period ends 4-2 with Miracle in the lead. 

2nd period: This could be a pivotal period for Team USA. Tynybekova changes levels, grabs a leg, but Miracle defends and chews up some clock. Tynybekova in on another shot but Mircale crotch lifts for an exposure. Tynybekova comes all the way thru and lands on top for the reversal but tis now 6-3. Tynebekova, stlll on top in par terre, locks up a lace, but some heroic defense by Miracle stops the turn and they come back up to feet, still 6-3. Tynybekova in on another attack but she steps out of bounds trying to adjust her grip. Tynybekova wants a challenge. Coach tried to talk her out of it but he relents. Challenge lost and Tynybekova now trails 8-3. Another step out (this one they probably should have challenged if they didn't already use up their challenges last time) and Kayla leads 9-3 with under 20 to wrestle. Miracle will have her revenge and it couldn't have come at a more crucial time. HUGE victory for Kayla Miracle!

USA 4, AWT 2

65kg: Mallory Velta (USA) vs Mimi Hristova (AWT/BUL)

1st period: Velta, like Miracle, is also a two-time world medalist. Hristova took fifth at the 2022 Worlds in Belgrade, losing to Velte in the bronze-medal bout, 11-2. Velte strikes first in this bout, earning a step out point. She then runs Hristova down for a go behind and a 3-0 lead. Make that 5-0 after a leg lace at the boundary. That's the score at the break.

2nd period: Velte's downblocks are stuffing Hristova. Mallory chases her down for another takedown to make it 7-0 and we've got half a period of clock left in the match. A step out makes it 8-0. Upper body lock, and a spins cycle toss for Velte as she'll get the fall with 38 seconds to go! USA now in great shape to win this dual as they have five matches won plus a pin and a forfeit. 

USA 5, AWT 2

68kg: Solin Piearcy (USA) vs Irina Ringaci (AWT/MDA)

1st period: Another Moldovan world champ on the mat taking on a young American. Piercy is not intimidated by the accolades, as she scores the first takedown off an ankle pick. Ringaci is deadly with her reach back tricep throws and that's what she hits to put Piercy on her back. It's just the two for the exposure though, as Piercy fights off her back and they come back up to neutral with the score 2-2, Ringaci leading on criteria. No more scores as the period ends, still 2-2. 

2nd period: A couple nice flurries in the first two minutes but no scores yet. Piercy battling valiantly. Ringaci then chains a couple moves together and gets Piercy in a fireman's, although they were grounded so it's just two more. 4-2, though Piercy very much in this bout. Piercy in on a shot but Ringaci sprawls and it's stalemated with just 10 seconds to go. Desperation shot by Piercy comes close but Ringaci holds on for the win, 4-2. Just avoiding the pin though puts USA much closer to a win and a shot at a bronze medal. 

USA 5, AWT 3

72kg: Skylar Grote (USA) vs Zhamila Bakbergenova (AWT/KAZ)

1st period: Team USA electing not to wrestle the reigning world champ Amit Elor, but Grote is no slouch. Grote taking ground initially, working on a go behind but Bakbergenova counters and scores a takedown at the boundary to take the early 2-0 lead. Solid action but not many exchanges ensue and the period ends, still 2-0 in favor of the Kazakhstani wrestler. 

2nd period: Another front headlock early in the period for Grote but action is stalemated. More spin drills from Grote but she can't manage to throw Bakbrgenova by and she's stuck in neutral. Now Grote tries going underneath but a sprawl by Bakberkanova stops her momentum and eventually results in a takedown to extend the lead to 4-0. Grote trying to get something going but Bekbergenova's defense is ready for her and she gets another go behind to make it 6-0 with under 20 to wrestle. And that's how it ends, Bakbergenova wins 6-0. BUT, by not getting pinned, Grote essentially seals victory for Team USA in the dual and you can count on seeing the American women in the bronze medal match tomorrow. 

USA 5, AWT 4

76kg: Yelena Makoyed (USA) vs Yasmine Adar (AWT/TUR)

1st period: Two-time world champ Adar scores first an arm spin that took about a minute to finally finish for the takedown. Makoyed responded with an attack that earned her a step out to make it 2-1. Adar answered with a go behind to make it 4-1. Makoyed fearlessly shoots underneath and converts for a takedown to amek it 4-3, then gets a turn to make it 5-4, now USA with the lead. That's hw the period ends. 

2nd period: Makoyed back on the attack. She hits a double and converts for two and keeps climbing up, splitting Adar's legs and putting her in danger. Makoyed close to a fall. And there it is! Makoyed with the pin! Adar's corner challenges but you can't challenge a pinfall. Must be looking for fouls, like a singlet or hair pull. They don't find one and the fall, or touche, is confirmed! USA wins the dual outright!

USA 6, AWT 4

And on the other mat, Iran overcame a very tough All-World Team to set up a much-anticipated clash between the USA and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the first place bout. That goes down tomorrow. Sorry for the typos, see you then!