It was a tale of two halves for the United States Men’s National Team as they beat a determined Australia 2-0 in a lively and sunny time in Seattle. But before that, the big drama was over the starting line up. With all the news of Pulisic’s injury, there was a lot of debate over whether he would be healthy enough to play, or if it was all just a feint and messaging to confuse the opponent. And, as it turned out, Pulisic didn’t play, didn’t even make the bench. Instead, Coach Mauricio Pochettino
changed the formation to a 4-4-2 and put Ricardo Pepi in.
And that change seemed to catch Australia off guard early in the game. The US got an early goal with Folarin Balogun peeling off to the left and Antonee Robinson was able to find him in behind the Australian backline. Balogun’s following cross was then bumped into the goal by an Australian defender.
The US didn’t get too many shots after that, but they thoroughly controlled the game. Australia struggled to get into the US’s half at all, with the USMNT swarming them all over the field. There were a few moments that stood out — a Dest shot from a ways away comes to mind that forced a save — but the team was particularly threatening on set pieces. And that is indeed how the US got their second. On a free kick just outside the box close to the byline, Antonee Robinson found Sergiño Dest at the top of the box. Dest put in a shot which was blocked and deflected high. Alex Freeman was the first to react and got there in front of the Aussie goalkeeper to nod it home. 2-0
Balogun was put clear in behind the Australia goal on the counter. It seemed like a certain goal, but an Australian centerback recovered to make a last second block. Australia had their moments of danger, too.
However, from there, things began swinging Australia’s way. Worn down by the Aussies’ physicality and urgency to get back into the game, the USMNT begane conceding possession and control. First, Australia got down into a threatening place on their right hand side through Irankunda, who came in at the half, but the following shot flew well away from Freese’s goal. Australia got another shot a few minutes later in the 64th minute thanks to some high pressure. The pressed Richards and Ream, but Australia recoverd and got a shot in that went right at Freese.
Berhalter came on in the 73’ to try and settle the game some, but Australia continued to push. However, while they got a fair bit of possession around the US’s box and a few set pieces, they struggled to put actual shots on target. Australia had a huge set of chances in the 85th minute when Australia recycled a ball back in front of goal after a corner. Australia pinged it towards the back post, with one of their players getting on the end of it and putting it right in front of goal where they could put in a stinging shot. However, Tyler Adams made a diving block with his foot to keep the shot off target. Still, the US was pinned back and couldn’t get a foothold back in the control.
What finally brought the US out of sustained danger was a series of fouls. The US managed to clear up the field only for Balogun to be fouled. This came with a scuffle that got two Australian players yellow cards, along with Balogun. Then, Joe Scally, who had come on a few minutes earlier, was also fouled. So, with the US entering the end of regulation time, they were up the field, winning a corner that they could use to kill a few moments of the game.
Then came a little bit of an odd moment… Chris Richards committed a professional foul on Irakunda, picking up a yellow. And then the ref went down with apparent cramps. We had odd scenes of Balogun helping the ref stretch his calfs out while a member of the referring staff brought a little drink.
In the closing minutes, Hajji Wright and Gio Reyna came on to make cameos, but their involvement wasn’t really needed with how little time was left. Australia was running out of both ideas and time and their long balls and crosses weren’t enough to break through. And that’s how the game ended, 2-0 with the Socceroos unable to find a goal. Full time, 2-0 USA.
This is the first time the USMNT has won two consecutive World Cup matches in the modern era. They have now been thrust clear to the top of Group D on 6 points, 3 above Australia, with Paraguay and Türkiye yet to play their second match. The US is now guaranteed a spot in the knockout round, though it remains to be seen if they will finish first or second. Paraguay and Türkiye play later today and, if they draw or Paraguay wins, the US will be gauranteed to win the group since the first tiebreaker is head-to-head instead of Goal Difference.
The USA will be back for their last game of the group stage on Thursday, June 25.
