Folarin Balogun drove down the line and crossed early, and Australian centerback Cameron Burgess put the ball into his own net to give the Americans the lead. Alex Freeman scored his first World Cup goal right before halftime to make it 2-0. There were no goals in the second half, but the United States held firm for its first shutout in 10 games dating back to a September friendly against Japan.
With the win, the United States secured a knockout berth for the first time in its history with group stage games remaining, and its first two opening World Cup matches for the first time since 1930. The Americans did it without Christian Pulisic on the field. Australia entered the match with three points from its opening group game but could not break through as the U.S. defense held a frisky opponent scoreless.
Late in the match, Balogun and McKennie came off for Haji Wright and Gio Reyna, while Dest and Robinson were replaced by Joe Scally and Austin Trusty. Balogun and Australia's Ryan Souttar both received yellow cards in the 88th minute after squaring off, and six minutes of stoppage time were added before the final whistle.
GEM OF A WIN IN EMERALD CITY!
The United States next faces Turkey on June 25.
