SEATTLE, WASHINGTON / Content Syndication Services / – The United States beat Australia 2-0 on Friday in a FIFA World Cup Group D match at Seattle Stadium, reaching the Round of 32 with one group game left. The co-hosts moved to six points from two matches. Australia stayed on three points after its first loss of the tournament. The match drew 66,925 fans and gave the U.S. a second straight group-stage win.
The United States scored both goals before halftime. Folarin Balogun forced the opener in the 11th minute with a run down the left side. His low ball into the area created pressure, and Australia defender Cameron Burgess turned it into his own net. The goal gave the U.S. early control in a match between the top two teams in the group.
Alex Freeman added the second goal in the 43rd minute. Ricardo Pepi earned a free kick near the right side, and the move developed after Sergino Dest’s effort deflected into the air. Freeman headed in from close range. Officials first called the goal offside, then confirmed it after video review. The decision sent the U.S. into halftime with a two-goal lead.
Freeman goal confirms U.S. advantage
The U.S. played without Christian Pulisic, who missed the match because of a calf injury from the opening win over Paraguay. Mauricio Pochettino’s team still kept Australia under pressure for much of the first half. Weston McKennie helped drive play through midfield, while Balogun and Pepi gave the attack a direct outlet. The result followed the U.S. team’s 4-1 win over Paraguay.
Australia coach Tony Popovic made halftime changes after a first half with limited chances. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe entered after both had scored in Australia’s 2-0 win over Türkiye. The Socceroos improved after the break but did not cut the deficit. The United States defended its lead and kept the match at a slower pace in the final stages.
Australia remains in Group D race
Match data showed the United States with 62% possession and Australia with 38%. Both teams put two shots on target. The U.S. completed 444 accurate passes, while Australia completed 219. Australia committed 16 fouls, and the U.S. committed 12. Goalkeepers on both sides made saves, but the first-half goals set the direction of the match.
FIFA World Cup Group D now has the United States on six points, with Australia and Paraguay on three points each. Türkiye has no points after two matches. The U.S. Soccer team next plays Türkiye in Los Angeles on June 25. Australia next faces Paraguay in San Francisco. Those matches will close the group stage for all four teams.