USMNT Clinches Knockout Berth With 2-0 Australia Win as 6 Goals in 2 Games Build Momentum
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 19
USMNT Clinches Knockout Berth With 2-0 Australia Win as 6 Goals in 2 Games Build Momentum
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 19
Summary
A 2-0 win over Australia sent the United States into the World Cup knockout rounds, giving the team maximum points from its first two matches.
Six goals in 2 games have fueled the surge, with the Americans following another own-goal opener and Alex Freeman's header despite playing without Christian Pulisic.
Tyler Adams, Tim Ream and Chris Richards said the squad's belief, grit and chemistry have turned a team with mixed pre-tournament expectations into one drawing broader national support.
The run stands out because the U.S. had opened the year with heavy losses to Belgium and Portugal, and has advanced beyond the first knockout game only once since 1930.