Co-hosts USA secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Group D.
Having beaten Paraguay 4-1 in their opening game in Los Angeles, Mauricio Pochettino’s side produced another commanding display in Seattle to continue their strong start to the tournament.
USA sit top of Group D with six points, on course to finish in first place, and, according to FIFA, guaranteed to advance to the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams at a minimum.
Folarin Balogun, scorer of two goals against Paraguay, forced the opener when Australia defender Cameron Burgess turned the striker’s cut-back into his own net in the 11th minute.
Defender Alex Freeman added the second when VAR overturned an offside call against him after he had nodded Sergino Dest’s deflected shot over the line following a USA corner.
Head coach Tony Popovic tried to get Australia back into the game by making a triple change at half-time but they were unable to meaningfully trouble goalkeeper Matt Freese as USA became the second team to reach the knockouts after Mexico.
USA finish the group stage against Turkey in Los Angeles on June 26 while Australia take on Paraguay in their final fixture.
