Move into the knockout phase fixed
©IMAGO
Host USA created a huge wave of enthusiasm early in the tournament and perfected their qualification for the next round with the best start to the World Cup since 1930. Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s team confidently defeated Australia 2-0 (2-0) in Seattle, making it the first time in 96 years to start with two consecutive victories.
An own goal from Cameron Burgess (11th minute) and a goal from Alex Freeman (43rd) ensured the decision in favor of the Americans in front of 66,925 spectators in the sold-out Lumen Field, who followed up impressively after the brilliant 4-1 win against Paraguay. Even before the game, thousands of euphoric fans lined the studio of the Fox broadcaster, and people all over the country came together for public viewing events.
For Australia, progress is still possible after the 2-0 coup against Turkey. The German referee Felix Zwayer had no problems on his World Cup debut. Zwayer, who had to be treated for cramps in the final stages, led the game in the midday sun of Seattle with great calm and without mistakes. The duel didn’t offer any real excitement, but things got heated again in the final phase. The hosts’ second goal, which was initially called back for offside, was recognized after a lengthy video review.
Americans – usually more devoted to American football or basketball – are gradually warming up to the sport they just call soccer. Given the early kick-off time of 12 noon, fans had already gathered in the pubs around the stadium early in the morning and ordered their first beers. When the anthem was played, several helicopters flew over the impressive home stadium of the Seattle Seahawks football club.
On the lawn it only went one way. And the USA benefited – as they did at the start against Paraguay – from an early own goal. This time it was Australia defender Burgess who directed a sharp cross from striker Folarin Balogun into the goal. The fact that star striker Christian Pulisic from AC Milan was unable to take part in the US game due to a calf injury was not noticeable.
Even with the early lead, nothing changed in terms of the game. The Australians defended, the USA attacked. Again and again it went to the right side and Sergiño Dest, who the Socceroos simply couldn’t cope with. Coach Tony Popovic’s team gave the impression from the start that they wanted to limit the damage before the group final against Paraguay.
Numerous stars like Paris Hilton actually only saw the USA play. And shortly before the break, Pochettino’s team rewarded themselves for their great effort a second time: after a corner variation, Dest finished from 20 meters – his blocked shot became an template for defender Freeman, who took off and headed the ball into the goal. The US fans celebrated the second goal deafeningly. Almost 120 decibels had already been measured before the game.
After the break, Popovic made three substitutions and Burgess also had to make way after his own goal. The Australians held up better and created chances led by the dynamic joker Nestroy Irankunda, but it was no longer exciting. On the other side, Balogun kept breaking through, but the USA couldn’t score again either.