The Socceroos failed to build on their dream FIFA World Cup start as they lost 2-0 to co-hosts USA at Seattle Stadium.
The Socceroos had their moments in the opening stages but they were unable to match the quality of the FIFA World Cup co-hosts. USA talisman Folarin Balogun found his way around the Australian defence and forced an own-goal from Cameron Burgess to give them the lead. VAR was needed to overturn an incorrect offside call and award Alex Freeman the USA’s second.
Tony Popovic removed both goalscorers from the opening win over Türkiye and replaced them with Isuzu UTE A-League stars Nishan Velupillay and 35-year-old Mathew Leckie, who has now represented his country in four FIFA World Cups. The change brought the tally of A-Leagues representatives in the starting lineup to four.
The Socceroos started fast and gave the hosts an early scare after Mo Touré pounced on a loose pass and fired his shot low into the hands of Matt Freese.
The Socceroos were energetic in the opening ten minutes but it was the favourites who took the lead when Folarin Balogun burst down the left flank and saw his low cross bundled in by retreating centre-back Cameron Burgess.
A-League stars Velupillay and Leckie linked up moments later when the 35 year-old was teed up on the edge of the area but his shot flashed narrowly wide of Freese’s post.
The co-hosts banged on the door of Australia’s stubborn back five and it took an intervention from VAR for the USA to double their lead before half-time. Antonee Robinson pulled back his free-kick to an unmarked Sergiño Dest, whose shot was deflected skyward and nodded home in front of Patrick Beach by Alex Freeman. Freeman was initially deemed offside but replays showed otherwise and the goal was awarded.
The USA made the better start after the break despite a positive, triple substitution from Popovic and Balogun was played in behind well by Tyler Adams but was stopped from getting a shot away by some strong recovery defending by Alessandro Circati.
Leckie was forced from the field with a suspected hamstring injury on the hour mark and his replacement Cristian Volpato had Australia’s finest chance of the match moments later. Nestory Irankunda was played in behind and when his pullback found Volpato, the 22-year-old curled his shot over the bar.
Australia manufactured a flurry of half-chances late in the piece and the best of them came to Harry Souttar but he failed to make contact. Jason Geria’s follow-up was smothered amongst a crowded penalty area.
The victory means that the USA have joined their co-hosts Mexico in securing a spot in the Round of 32. Australia still sit in second place thanks to their three points against Türkiye with their match against Paraguay kicking off later today.
The Socceroos will face Paraguay in their final match of the group stage as they look to secure their spot in the knockout stages on Friday 26 June at 12pm AEST.
