USA see off Australia 2-0 in Seattle to seal knockout berth

The United States booked their place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a controlled 2-0 victory over Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle. Mauricio Pochettino's side became the second nation, after Mexico, to reach the round of 32, and did so without talisman Christian Pulisic, sidelined by a calf injury.

Early breakthrough

The opener arrived on 11 minutes as Folarin Balogun surged into the box from the left and drilled a low cross that Cameron Burgess could only turn into his own net. It was the reward for an aggressive American start that pinned the Socceroos back.

Freeman's moment

Alex Freeman, the squad's youngest player at 21 and son of former NFL receiver Antonio Freeman, doubled the lead on 43 minutes, heading in a deflected Sergino Dest effort from a set piece for his first World Cup goal.

Back-to-back wins, the USA's first at a World Cup since 1930, confirmed top spot in Group D was within touching distance. Australia, for their part, were left needing a result on the final matchday to keep their own qualification hopes alive.