USA Top Group D Without Pulisic in Stunning Style
The hosts edged Australia 2-0 through an own goal and a Freeman header despite missing their star man Christian Pulisic.
Own Goal and Freeman Header Seal the Points
They were missing their talisman and it didn’t matter one bit. The United States men’s national team dismantled Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle, even without the injured Christian Pulisic, to secure top spot in Group D and book a home-town knockout berth. The hosts are now unbeaten in two and playing with a belief that co-host expectations cannot shake.
Folarin Balogun tormented Australia’s defense from the opening whistle and his mazy 11th-minute run forced Cameron Burgess into the own goal that put the USA in front. Alex Freeman doubled the lead before the break, getting his head on a deflected shot to nod home from close range. Australia had no answer and the 2-0 scoreline never flattered the hosts — the USMNT were comfortable throughout the 90 minutes.
Hosts Ride Home Advantage Into Knockout Bracket
Winning Group D means the Americans will contest their round of 32 on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara — a short commute from their Irvine training camp — in front of another expected partisan crowd. It is just the second time the USMNT have won back-to-back World Cup matches since 1930. Pulisic’s calf injury remains the only cloud on a very bright horizon.
The USA’s path through the knockout bracket lines up favorably, and with Pulisic potentially returning, this home-crowd-fuelled side has the firepower to go deep. The dream is very much alive.
