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Despite Christian Pulisic’s absence, US beats Australia 2-0 to advance to World Cup knockout round

On Friday, the United States men's national team defeated Australia 2-0 at Seattle Stadium, clinching a World Cup knockout round spot for the first time after just two group-stage matches.
Despite injured forward Christian Pulisic missing the match due to a calf injury, head coach Mauricio Pochettino started striker Ricardo Pepi in his place, maintaining the same lineup that won 4-1 over Paraguay.
Folarin Balogun's 11th-minute run forced Australian defender Cameron Burgess to score an own goal. Alex Freeman headed in a second goal just before halftime, with VAR confirming the goal after an initial offside ruling was overturned.
With six points atop Group D, the U.S. has secured a knockout berth and can clinch the group title with a result against Turkiye next Thursday in Los Angeles.
Scoring six goals across two games, the squad has matched the nation's 1930 performance of winning both opening World Cup matches, marking unprecedented dominance in early tournament play.

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The Doug Gottlieb Show

Fast-Paced Sports podcast featuring Doug Gottlieb

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The Doug Gottlieb Show discuss USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia to clinch World Cup knockout berth and potential Pulisic rest ahead of Türkiye

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US Secures Place in World Cup Knockout Round

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Without the injured Christian Pulisic, U.S. beats Australia 2-0 to advance to World Cup knockout round

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