Seattle: USA march into the knockouts
Hosts United States produced a commanding display to defeat Australia 2-0 in a Group D league match of the FIFA World Cup at Seattle, sealing qualification to the knockout stage.
The USA, co-hosting the tournament along with Mexico and Canada, were without star attacker Christian Pulisic due to injury. Even so, the home side began on the front foot and kept Australia under pressure from the opening minutes.
The breakthrough came early when Australia defender Cameron Burgess, attempting to block a shot from Balogun, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net for an own goal, handing the USA a 1-0 lead.
A key moment followed in the 39th minute when USA’s Alex Freeman and Australia’s Paul Okon collided and both required treatment for head injuries. Freeman continued and struck in the 43rd minute; the goal was initially flagged offside but was awarded after a VAR review, making it 2-0 at half-time.
Australia pushed hard after the break, but the USA’s defence held firm to preserve the clean sheet and close out a 2-0 victory amid loud home support, confirming their place in the knockout round.
