U.S. reaches World Cup knockout round with 2-0 win over Australia
The United States advanced to the World Cup knockout stage with a game to spare after a 2-0 win over Australia in Group D on Friday.
The tournament co-hosts took the lead in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun broke past the Australian defense and sent in a pass that defender Cameron Burgess turned into his own net.
The U.S. doubled its lead just before halftime when Alex Freeman headed home from close range. The goal was initially ruled offside but awarded after a VAR review, prompting celebrations on a sunny afternoon in the Pacific Northwest.
The U.S. now has six points and has reached the round of 32. They will finish Group D against Turkey on Thursday at Los Angeles Stadium, while Australia, on three points, will face Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
