U.S. Advances Without Pulisic, Beats Australia 2-0 at World Cup

The United States advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup, overcoming the absence of star forward Christian Pulisic. The team secured a 2-0 victory against Australia on Friday, marking their second consecutive win in the tournament. Later, the U.S. clinched the top spot in Group D after Paraguay defeated Turkey 1-0 in a match held in Santa Clara, California.

Folarin Balogun, who has already proven his scoring capabilities, expressed the team’s adaptability in the absence of Pulisic. “C.P. is a fantastic player — the quality and the leadership that he gives us,” Balogun noted. “We didn’t have him today, but I think you saw we’re still capable to go out there and get a result and put up a performance.” As the winners of Group D, the U.S. will now face a third-place team in the round of 32 match scheduled for July 1 in Santa Clara.

Pulisic, known for his contributions to AC Milan and the national team with 33 goals in 87 appearances, was sidelined due to a calf injury. Historically, missing such a key player might have disrupted the American team’s chances. However, since the last U.S.-hosted World Cup in 1994, significant developments have occurred.

The current squad’s performance is highlighted by consecutive victories, a feat not achieved since 1930. Across these matches, the U.S. scored six goals, coming close to their record tally for a World Cup. Crucially, many players contributed, including Alex Freeman, the squad’s youngest member at 21. Freeman’s crucial goal in the 43rd minute, originating from a set piece, was his inaugural World Cup goal, confirmed after video review.

“(He) is doing a fantastic job,” remarked coach Mauricio Pochettino about Freeman. “The evolution is massive. He’s so humble. He wants to learn. He always listens. He’s a player that you really enjoy being with him. Not only coaching, but being with him.”

The U.S. initiated their scoring through an own-goal by Australia’s Cameron Burgess following an offensive run by Balogun down the left flank in the 11th minute. Despite Ricardo Pepi taking the place of Pulisic, the ball did not reach him, yet the pressure led to a significant advantage. Balogun explained, “I want to be dangerous, I want to create opportunities. It might not always be myself that scores, but if I can force an error that gives us the lead, then for me it’s like a goal as well. It was a special start to the game to give us the momentum.”

Though the U.S. failed to score in the second half, their dominant opening period set a tone admired by Australia’s coach Tony Popovic. “It did not surprise us because their quality is clear,” Popovic acknowledged. “Their power is clear. Their athleticism is clear. They are not surprising in what they did.”

Expectations for the U.S. team are rising as they look to leverage their promising tournament start. Coach Pochettino remains confident in the team’s trajectory. “I think it’s much better when you show good performances and win the games,” he said. “I think that makes it easier, everything. But, at the same time, it’s (important) to keep believing.”

The match demonstrated the U.S. team’s depth and resilience, capabilities critical for advancing without Pulisic. “We know how vital Christian is to the team and how much he can contribute in the game,” Freeman stated. “For us it was, we have Ricardo Pepi, who came in and had an amazing game. I think that just shows how (good) our roster is.”