News Focus
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic states that the United States can win the World Cup trophy
- The US team secured a 2-0 victory over Australia to reach the knockout phase
- Defender Alex Freeman scored the decisive second goal following a VAR review
- Players Chris Richards and Auston Trusty confirm the squad has a winning mentality
- Coach Mauricio Pochettino praises Freeman’s potential and humble attitude
Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes the United States can lift the World Cup. The former Sweden striker gave his support on a Fox Sports broadcast after watching the co-hosts win their opening two matches.
The American players share his confidence. They defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday to book their place in the last 16. After the clash, defender Chris Richards said winning the tournament is not a crazy idea. “We want to lift a trophy,” he explained.
His teammate Auston Trusty holds the same view. “That is our mindset,” the defender stated. “You do not enter this competition expecting to lose.” He added that Ibrahimovic’s words are amazing, but the team must focus on one match at a time.
Alex Freeman was the hero of the game. The 21-year-old recently moved to Villarreal in La Liga from Orlando City. He operates on the right side of a three-man defence. Freeman netted the second goal against Australia. Officials first disallowed it for offside, but VAR overturned the decision.
Freeman is the son of NFL champion Antonio Freeman. He spoke about his childhood dream coming true. “I saw my teammates running towards me,” he said. “I had to run away or they would tackle me on the pitch!”
US coach Mauricio Pochettino also has high hopes. He wants to win the World Cup with America. The Argentine praised Freeman after the game. He said the young star has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the world. Pochettino noted that Freeman is humble and always listens to advice.
The US last reached the semi-finals in 1930. Their best result in the modern era was the quarter-finals in 2002. Now, they hope to make history again.