USA Book Knockout Spot as Balogun and Freeman Sink Australia

The United States confirmed their place in the World Cup knockout rounds on Friday with a commanding 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle, a result that The Guardian describe as a surge into the last 32 for the co-hosts.

Folarin Balogun and Alex Freeman were the scorers, with Freeman, the son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, reportedly describing the moment as one he had dreamed of all his life, according to The Guardian. Weston McKennie was also prominent, registering an influential performance in a more advanced midfield role.

Christian Pulisic missed the match with the calf injury that forced him off against Paraguay, but Sky Sports report that coach Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with how the team performed without their main man. Australia had brief moments, with Mat Leckie lively early on, but were ultimately well beaten. The win underlines that this US side is very much a collective, not just a team built around one player.