USA produce thrilling first-half performance against Australia to qualify for knockouts

Tony Popovic’s decision to play young goalkeeper Patrick Beach over team captain Mathew Ryan in their opener paid dividends, with the 22-year-old making eight saves and keeping a clean sheet against Turkey.

However, the USA had used their home advantage to get off to a flyer as well, and were desperate to win consecutive WC fixtures for the first time since 1930, so much so that it only took just over 10 minutes for them to take the lead. 

Folarin Balogun flew onto Antonee Robinson’s pass down the left and past Alessandro Circati into the area, sending it across the face of goal where Cameron Burgess could only bundle into his own net.

Australia had no choice but to try to soak up the ensuing pressure, as a buoyant USA looked to build on their lead. The Socceroos were helped by the hydration break and other stoppages, but they couldn’t quite make it to half tme with the deficit at just one.

Sergino Dest’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected high into the air, and Alex Freeman reacted quickest to nod past Beach from just a couple of yards out.

The hosts continued in the same vein after the break, but Balogun wasn’t as clinical as in their opener when he bagged a brace, allowing Circati to retreat and block his shot after he was released by Tyler Adams.

Australia soon started to show some prowess on the counter, though, with substitute Nestory Irankunda injecting some energy, though neither Cristian Volpato nor Connor Metcalfe were able to find the mark.

The Stars and Stripes were relatively untroubled from there, even though tempers flared on both sides in the moments before the final whistle.

USA’s eighth consecutive win at this venue sees them join their co-hosts Mexico in securing a spot in the last 32, with Canada also overwhelmingly likely to reach the knockout stages.

Australia achieved that at a WC for just the second time ever in Qatar four years ago, but will need at least a draw against Paraguay on Thursday to stand any real chance of progression.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Alex Freeman (USA)

See all the stats from the match here