Socceroos lose to USA after own goal and VAR controversy

Australia's Socceroos suffered a 2-0 defeat against the United States in a World Cup match, marked by an early own goal and VAR-drama. The loss saw Australia's chances of advancing complicated, with coach Tony Popovic facing scrutiny for his team selections.

Popovic made notable decisions ahead of the match, leaving out Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, who had scored against Türkiye, in favor of Mathew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay. Popovic cited a need for "freshness in the wide areas" due to the short turnaround and emotional intensity of the previous game. Despite acknowledging that later substitutions brought energy, his initial choices puzzled many observers.

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some freshness in the wide areas

The opening goal came in the 11th minute via a Cameron Burgess own goal. Burgess deflected a cross from U.S. striker Folarin Balogun into his own net, a moment that left him visibly distraught.

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I wouldn't say today was the best day for the referees

Further controversy surrounded the second goal. Alex Freeman scored with a header after a shot deflected into the air, initially flagged offside. However, a VAR review overturned the decision, awarding the goal to the USA. Popovic expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating, suggesting that Balogun may have interfered with the goalkeeper, though replays were inconclusive. "I wouldn't say today was the best day for the referees," Popovic stated, while conceding his team "weren't good enough in the first half."

Popovic made tactical changes at halftime, bringing on Connor Metcalfe and others, but the team could not find a way back into the game. The defeat leaves Australia needing a strong performance in their remaining matches to progress in the tournament.

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But overall we weren't good enough in the first half. You've got to hand it to them [the USA], they are very strong.