The United States are through to the World Cup knockout rounds after beating Australia 2-0 in Seattle, giving the co-hosts a perfect six points from two Group D games.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side struck early at Lumen Field, where 66,925 fans watched Folarin Balogun force the breakthrough in the 11th minute. His cut-back was turned into the net by Australia defender Cameron Burgess, putting the hosts in control before the match had settled.
The second arrived just before half-time, after Alex Freeman headed in from a deflected Sergino Dest effort following a corner. The assistant initially flagged for offside, but VAR overturned the decision and the goal stood.
The result changes the picture in Group D. USA sit top with six points after opening the tournament with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, and are now guaranteed a place in the round of 32 at minimum through the best third-place route.
Australia tried to reset at the break, with head coach Tony Popovic making a triple change. The response brought more energy, but not enough danger for goalkeeper Matt Freese, and the pressure is now on Australia before their final group game against Paraguay.
USA did it without Christian Pulisic, who missed the match because of the calf injury that forced him off against Paraguay. Pochettino said his captain remained central to the team’s plans.
“Christian is an important player for us but we’re a team and it was impossible for him to play for us today,” Pochettino said. “We want him back for the next game but if we want to win the tournament, we need the whole team and all the players need to be available.”
USA finish the group stage against Turkey in Los Angeles on June 26.
