News Focus
- United States beat Australia 2-0 in Group D clash in Seattle
- Hosts secure place in World Cup knockout stage with second win
- Cameron Burgess own goal and Alex Freeman strike seal victory
- Christian Pulisic misses out through calf injury
- 66,925 fans watch military flyover before kick-off
The United States marched into the knockout stage of the World Cup after beating Australia 2-0 in front of a packed crowd in Seattle. The host nation put on a strong display at Seattle Stadium to claim their second victory in Group D.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Cameron Burgess. Folarin Balogun caused problems down the wing and his low cross forced the Australian defender to turn the ball into his own net.
The US doubled their advantage before half-time when Alex Freeman scored following a VAR check. The defender turned striker pounced on a rebound after Harry Souttar blocked Sergiño Dest’s shot. Freeman celebrated wildly with his team-mates after the officials confirmed the goal stood.
The match began with a spectacular flyover by four military helicopters as the national anthem finished. The 66,925 supporters in the stadium created an electric atmosphere for this crucial fixture.
Australia started brightly when Mohamed Touré tested US goalkeeper Matt Freese in the opening minute. However, the Socceroos could not find a way past a solid American defence despite creating several chances after half-time.
US captain Christian Pulisic watched from the sidelines after failing to recover from a calf problem. The winger injured himself in the opening match against Paraguay and trained separately from the squad during the week.
Tony Popovic made several changes at the break to try to get back into the game. He brought on Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, but the Australian side could not break down the US backline.
Mathew Leckie and Cristian Volpato both came close for the Socceroos in the second half. However, Matt Freese dealt with their efforts comfortably as the United States held firm to secure the three points.
The result means the US will top Group D if Turkey fail to beat Paraguay in the later match on Friday. The host nation have now guaranteed their place in the last sixteen of the tournament.
Several players received yellow cards during a physical encounter. Jordan Bos, Alessandro Circati, Antonee Robinson and Harry Souttar all went into the referee’s book in a match that threatened to boil over at times.
Referee Felix Zwayer suffered a strange injury late in the game which caused a brief delay. He managed to finish officiating the match despite the problem.