USA 2-0 Australia: Mauricio Pochettino’s side look poised to reach the World Cup finals after a perfect start in Seattle on Friday night.
Folarin Balogun was key to America seeing off Australia in Seattle (Image: Getty Images)
The United States defeated Australia 2-0 in Seattle, securing a spot in the World Cup’s last 32.
The hosts got off to a dream start in Seattle as Cameron Burgess found his own net in the ninth minute. Mauricio Pochettino’s side scored their second goal just before Alex Freeman’s breakthrough, but a VAR check was required to officially award the goal.
Australia struggled to garner much of a response as the United States took over the top spot in the group. Pochettino’s side will secure top spot in the last 16 if Türkiye and Paraguay draw.
Meanwhile, Australia will be nervously waiting to see what kind of match they will play on the final day of next week.
Following his brace in the opening game against Paraguay, Monaco frontman Balogun was active again early in Friday’s match. He powered through from his marker on the left and delivered a low cross, which was carelessly turned back by Burgess.
And while America enjoyed the nature of the first goal, it was the second that really excited the Lumen Field crowd.
From a free kick, Anthony Robinson sent the ball to Sergino Dest on the edge of the box. His attempt deflected high into the air, and Freeman was quickest to react and nod. Initially, the line judge ruled the goal invalid, but in the end, the goal was allowed by VAR, and a place in the finals tournament was definitely within sight.
USA took an early lead against Australia (Image: Getty Images)
Balogun should have put the game away within the first few minutes of the second half, but was denied by a good block from Alessandro Circuti.
Australia gained slightly more momentum midway through the second half after coach Tony Popovich opted to make substitutions at half-time. However, none of the chances were particularly clear-cut until the host team missed a corner kick and forced a few hits in the second half, allowing America to celebrate a well-deserved victory.
The team will now conclude the team match against Türkiye in Los Angeles, while Australia and Paraguay will meet in California.
If Turkey and Paraguay tie, the United States will win the group and will face the third-place team from Groups B, E, F, I, or J in the next round.
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