U.S. defeats Australia 2-0 to advance to World Cup knockout round

The U.S. men's national soccer team has advanced to the knockout round of the World Cup, defeating Australia 2-0 on Friday. This victory marks the first time the Americans have clinched a knockout berth after only two matches in a tournament they are co-hosting. The team achieved this feat despite the absence of injured forward Christian Pulisic.

The U.S. roster proved deep enough to overcome Pulisic's absence. Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the team at 21, scored the Americans' second goal in the 43rd minute. His header, off a deflected shot by Sergiño Dest, was his first career World Cup goal and was confirmed after a video review. The U.S. had taken a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute via an own goal from Australia's defender Cameron Burgess, which deflected off a centering pass intended for striker Ricardo Pepi.

Christian Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan and has scored 33 goals in 87 international appearances, missed Friday's match due to a calf injury. The U.S. team's performance ensures they avoid the scenario of 1994, when they hosted the tournament and advanced as one of the best third-place teams, only to lose in the round of 16. Folarin Balogun, who scored two goals in the previous 4-1 victory over Paraguay, was instrumental in the play that led to the own goal against Australia.