Mauricio Pochettino team don clinch dia place for knockout round as dem beat Australia 2-0 for Seattle. Dis one na first time since 1930 wey US men win two consecutive World Cup games.
Christian Pulisic no play because of calf injury wey e suffer for training. Coach Pochettino tell Fox Sports before game say: “Christian is not available. I think the feelings are good, and let’s hope that as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again.”
For Pulisic absence, Pochettino start Ricardo Pepi as striker, wey be surprise because e prefer Folarin Balogun as lone center forward. Balogun still start, but Pepi replace am for 72nd minute.
Australian coach Tony Popovic complain after game: “I don’t know if it’s the occasion, but we looked sluggish, heavy legged, dull. They won every duel, they won every second ball. When you do that, it makes it very difficult to gain any momentum.”
Popovic also talk about referee decisions: “I think today was I wouldn’t say the best day for the referee.”
For second half, Australia recover well. Popovic praise dem: “I thought the reaction second half was outstanding. We did very well in the second half. We created opportunities. We won all the duels in the second half.”
Alex Freeman, wey score for USA, talk about im goal: “I was kind of anxious when they went to VAR.”
USA fans dey sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” for Seattle. Christian Pulisic, wey grow up near West Virginia, join dey sing.
Australia get some chances but no fit score. USA defense dey solid, with Chris Richards playing outstanding game. Pochettino no make early subs, but later bring Trusty, Scally, Haji Wright, Gio Reyna, and Sebastian Berhalter.
For first half, Australia player Souttar and Balogun get into scuffle, with Souttar grabbing Balogun neck. Referee show multiple yellow cards.
USA now go face Turkiye for group stage, and dem fit rest players because dem almost win group.
