US cruises past Australia to secure World Cup knockout spot

The United States clinched a spot in the World Cup knockout stage on Friday, defeating Australia 2-0 in a commanding performance that overcame the absence of star forward Christian Pulisic.

The U.S. opened the scoring with an own goal from Australia's Cameron Burgess, mirroring their strategy from a previous match. Alex Freeman then extended the lead with a header just before halftime. The goal, initially disallowed for offside, was awarded after a VAR review, sparking significant celebration from the U.S. bench.

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It was surreal... obviously at first it was disallowed so I was kind of anxious when it went to VAR. It was so emotional for me because you dream of this moment.

"It was surreal... obviously at first it was disallowed so I was kind of anxious when it went to VAR," Freeman said. "It was so emotional for me because you dream of this moment." Australia's coach, Tony Popovic, attempted to shift the momentum by bringing on Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe at halftime, but Australia struggled to regain control.

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I don't know if it was the occasion, but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged. I think the players showed how good they are in the second half, but obviously at this level you can't give away that much in the first.

"I don't know if it was the occasion, but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged," Popovic admitted. "I think the players showed how good they are in the second half, but obviously at this level you can't give away that much in the first." The U.S. now has six points and advances to the last 32, with their final group game against Türkiye scheduled for Thursday. Coach Mauricio Pochettino hopes Pulisic will be available, emphasizing the team's need for all players to contribute if they aim to win the competition.

Freeman highlighted the team's depth, stating, "It says that we have a really strong roster and it says that whichever players we're going to put on the field we're going to execute and be 100% and get a result." Australia remains second in Group D with three points and will next face Paraguay.

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It says that we have a really strong roster and it says that whichever players we're going to put on the field we're going to execute and be 100% and get a result.