US beats Australia to reach World Cup knockout round
The co-hosts won 2-0 in Seattle as Christian Pulisic sat out with a calf injury, moving to six points in Group D.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
The United States advanced to the World Cup knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle on Friday, Reuters reported. The co-hosts reached six points in Group D with one match still to play after winning despite Christian Pulisic’s absence.
Pulisic missed the match because of a calf injury he sustained in the US team's opening win over Paraguay, according to Reuters. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said the forward remained a key part of his plans and that he hoped to have him back for the next game.
“It’s always difficult because we want to have all the players,” Pochettino said. “Christian is an important player for us, but … it was impossible today for him to play. We hope that next game he will be available.”
First-half goals send US through
The US took control early, with Reuters reporting that Australia’s Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 11th minute. Alex Freeman then doubled the lead shortly before halftime with a header after a VAR review overturned an initial offside decision.
The result secured a place in the round of 32 for the Americans. It also gave Pochettino a win built on squad depth, at least for one night, while the team waited on the fitness of its most influential attacking player.
Pochettino said Pulisic remained central to the US campaign but told reporters that a long run at the tournament would require more than one player. “If we want to win the competition, we need the whole team,” he said. “All the players need to be important.”
“Of course, Christian is one of the best players in the world,” Pochettino added. “I hope that he can recover as soon as possible and can enjoy being on the pitch and helping the team.”
McKennie points to squad depth
Weston McKennie said the win showed the US had more than one way to compete, according to Reuters. He said the team could handle a physical match while still using players suited to possession-based play.
“We can play the physical game because we have guys on the field who are ready to step up for that, and we have guys with quality who can play possession-based football,” McKennie said.
The US will finish Group D against Turkiye on Thursday at Los Angeles Stadium, Reuters reported. Pochettino’s next immediate decision will hinge on whether Pulisic is fit enough to return after the calf problem that kept him out in Seattle.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.