Folarin Balogun sparked the United States into the World Cup's last 32 on Friday night, setting up an own goal inside nine minutes as Mauricio Pochettino's side eased past Australia 2-0 in Seattle.
The Monaco forward, who scored twice in the opening game against Paraguay, raced down the left flank and delivered a low cross that Cameron Burgess turned into his own net — a dream start for the co-hosts in front of a buoyant crowd at Lumen Field.
“Folarin Balogun stars as USA beat Australia 2-0 to reach World Cup knockout stages.”
Pochettino's men doubled their lead just before half-time in contentious fashion. Antonee Robinson played a free-kick to Sergino Dest on the edge of the box; his shot deflected high into the air, and Alex Freeman reacted quickest to nod home. The linesman initially raised his flag, but a VAR check confirmed the goal, triggering celebrations that all but sealed progression.
Australia, coached by Tony Popovic, made changes at the break and built some pressure midway through the second half, but clear chances remained scarce until a late flurry from a corner. The USA held firm to secure a well-deserved victory and top spot in the group — which will be rubber-stamped if Turkey and Paraguay draw in their fixture.
Balogun should have added a third early in the second period, only to be denied by a fine block from Alessandro Circati. But the damage was already done. The USA will now round off their group campaign against Turkey in Los Angeles, while Australia face a nervous wait before meeting Paraguay in California.
Should Turkey and Paraguay draw, the USA will be confirmed as group winners and face a third-placed team from Groups B, E, F, I or J in the next round. For now, Pochettino's style was on full display — incisive, attacking football that carried the co-hosts through with a game to spare.