U.S. beats Australia 2-0 at World Cup with two strikers

The United States defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday in a World Cup group-stage match played in Seattle. Christian Pulisic was ruled out with a calf injury. Ricardo Pepi started alongside Folarin Balogun, giving the U.S. two center-forwards.

First-half goals In the 11th minute, Antonee Robinson sent a long ball forward.

Balogun ran onto the pass and forced Australian defender Cameron Burgess into an own goal. At the end of the first half, Robinson delivered a free kick. The ball deflected to Alex Freeman, who scored the second goal.

Tactical shift Australia defended with five players across the back line and a zonal marking system. The U.S. used the two-striker formation to stretch that defense. Pepi said after the match that the setup created space for both forwards. Balogun said creating chances, even without scoring, helped the team.

The U.S. maintained the lead through the second half. Australia made three substitutions at halftime but did not create sustained attacking pressure. The result moves the United States into the knockout stage.