The United States is heading to the World Cup knockout rounds, and it did it without its biggest star.
With Christian Pulisic sidelined by a calf injury, the USMNT delivered one of its most complete performances under coach Mauricio Pochettino, defeating Australia 2-0 in Seattle to secure a place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
The breakthrough came early when Folarin Balogun’s dangerous cross forced an own goal from Australian defender Cameron Burgess in the 11th minute. The Americans controlled possession and dictated the tempo throughout the first half, repeatedly stretching Australia’s defensive shape.
Then came the moment that will have USA fans talking.
Just before halftime, Alex Freeman rose to head home what initially appeared to be an offside goal. After a VAR review, the goal was awarded, giving the United States a deserved 2-0 lead. Freeman, who didn’t earn his first USA cap until last year, continued his rapid rise on the international stage with another standout World Cup performance.
ESPN’s player ratings reflected just how influential Freeman was, grading the young defender at 7/10 and highlighting him as one of the key performers in a match where the U.S. defense completely shut down Australia’s attack.
The Americans dominated possession, created the better chances, and perhaps most importantly recorded a clean sheet. Australia improved after halftime and pushed forward searching for a goal, but Matt Freese and the U.S. back line stood firm.
The victory is historic. It marks the first time the United States has won consecutive World Cup matches since 1930 and guarantees a place in the knockout stage before the final group match against Turkey.
Pochettino’s squad entered the tournament facing plenty of questions after a disappointing Copa América campaign and inconsistent results in recent years. Two matches into the World Cup, those doubts are rapidly disappearing. Balogun continues to look dangerous, Sergiño Dest and Weston McKennie controlled the midfield, and a new generation led by Freeman is emerging on the sport’s biggest stage.
With six points from two matches and a knockout spot secured, the USA suddenly looks like one of the tournament’s rising stories.
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