Co-hosts the United States secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stages by beating Australia 2-0 in Group D.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who beat Paraguay 4-1 in the opening game in Los Angeles, continued their strong start to the tournament with another performance in Seattle.
The United States tops Group D with six points and is guaranteed a spot in the round of 32 as one of at least the top three teams, according to FIFA.
Folarin Balogun, who scored twice against Paraguay, forced the first goal in the 11th minute when Australian defender Cameron Burgess converted the striker’s cutback into his own goal.
Defender Alex Freeman added the second when VAR overturned an offside call after nodding Sergino Dest’s deflected shot over the line following an American corner.
Coach Tony Popovich made three first-half changes to try to get Australia back in the game, but failed to meaningfully hinder goalkeeper Matt Freese as the United States became only the second team to achieve a knockout after Mexico.
Big moments in Seattle…
11: target! Burgess sends Balogun’s cutback into his own net for the opener.
43: The goal failed! The linesman flagged offside after Freeman headed the ball.
45: You have been given a goal! VAR overturned the offside decision and the goal was recognized.
45+7: get! Dest tests Patrick Beech with a low shot.
52: trash! Balogun adds a third by blocking a one-on-one opportunity.
62: above! Australia’s Cristian Volpato came off the bench and had a great opportunity.
65: get! Another Australian substitute, Connor Metcalfe, fired a shot too close to Freeze.
87: aggro! Three late reservations in anger.
Analysis: No Pulisic, no problems for America
The United States were without star player Christian Pulisic in Seattle due to a calf injury sustained in the game against Paraguay, but it was further evidence that they are not a one-man team.
Folarin Balogun continues to lead the line impressively. He showed explosive speed to get behind Australia’s defensive line when scoring the first goal, and held the ball well throughout the game.
Pulisic’s replacement Ricardo Pepi also made a positive contribution, while Pochettino’s midfielders Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie dominated the Australian side.
U.S. players celebrate after scoring the first goal against Australia
The co-hosts have individual qualities, but what is most inspiring for Pochettino and the fans is their cohesion as a unit. Just like against Paraguay, the off-the-ball play against Australia was excellent and the opposition could not handle the pressure.
Pulisic’s injury is reportedly not serious. The United States will hope for a speedy return. But Pochettino certainly seemed pleased with his team’s performance without key players.
“Christian is an important player for us, but we are a team and it was impossible for him to play for us today,” he said. “We want him back for the next game, but to win a tournament you need the whole team and every player needs to be ready.”
