The United States (US) advanced to the World Cup knockout stage with one game to spare after comfortably beating Australia 2-0 in Group D on Friday.
The tournament co-hosts went ahead in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun burst beyond the Australian back line and delivered a pass that defender Cameron Burgess turned into his own net.
The US doubled their advantage shortly before halftime as Alex Freeman headed home from close range, a goal that was initially ruled out for offside but awarded following a Video Assistant Referee review, sparking jubilant celebrations on a sun-splashed afternoon in the Pacific Northwest.
The US moved on to six points and into the round of 32.
They will conclude Group D against Turkey on Thursday at Los Angeles Stadium, while Australia, on three points, face Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
–Reuters–
