US beats Australia to reach World Cup knockout round

The United States surged into the World Cup knockout round Friday with a 2-0 win over Australia, delivering a controlled, physical performance in Seattle despite the absence of Christian Pulisic.

An own goal by Australia defender Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute and a first World Cup goal from 21-year-old Alex Freeman in the 43rd gave the U.S. its second straight victory. The result delighted most of the 66,925 fans in a sellout crowd and ensured the host nation would advance from the group stage.

CBS reported the win put the United States atop Group G with six points, while The Guardian identified the group as Group D and said the result could secure first place depending on the Turkey-Paraguay match later Friday.

Pulisic, who left the Americans’ 4-1 opening win over Paraguay after 45 minutes with a calf injury, trained separately during the week and was not available for selection. His absence had raised questions about how the U.S. would break down Australia’s back line, but the Americans took charge soon after kickoff.

Australia had the first look in the opening minute when Mohamed Touré intercepted a loose Freeman pass and fired a low shot from a tight angle into the arms of U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese. The Americans settled quickly, moving the ball through wide areas and pressing Australia’s organized defense.

The breakthrough came when Antonee Robinson played forward to Folarin Balogun, who had shifted into a wide attacking role. Balogun beat Jacob Italiano for pace and drove a low ball into the area, where Burgess deflected it into his own net. It was the second straight World Cup match in which the U.S. benefited from an early own goal.

Australia nearly answered two minutes later, but Mathew Leckie’s outside-of-the-boot attempt from the top of the box sailed high and wide. The match grew more physical from there. Jordan Bos was booked for a hand to Weston McKennie’s face, and Alessandro Circati later received a yellow card for clipping Malik Tillman as he moved toward the Australia penalty area.

Freeman, the youngest player on the U.S. roster and the son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, doubled the lead shortly before halftime. Tillman battled along the end line to win a free kick, Robinson played the restart to Sergiño Dest at the top of the box, and Dest’s shot deflected off Harry Souttar. Freeman reached the rebound first and bundled it in. The goal was checked for offside before being allowed.

Before the match, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said his team needed to match Australia’s intensity. “I think we need to play on the edge of the line,” he said, “with not crossing the lines of the rules.”

Australia coach Tony Popovic made several halftime changes, bringing on Jason Geria, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, and the Socceroos became more attack-minded. Cristian Volpato later came on and shot over the bar after a run by Irankunda, while Metcalfe had an effort handled by Freese.

Pochettino responded with more defensive substitutions, sending on Sebastian Berhalter, Auston Trusty and Joe Scally. Australia created late pressure, but the U.S. held firm as yellow cards mounted and the crowd chanted “USA.”

The Americans next face Turkey on June 25 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Australia, which opened with a 2-0 upset of Turkey and remains on three points, will likely need at least a draw against Paraguay to ensure advancement, CBS reported.