USMNT beats Australia, soars into World Cup knockout stage. How’d they do it without Pulisic?

Key Points:

• The U.S. men’s national soccer team secured a 2-0 victory over Australia at Lumen Field, advancing to the World Cup round of 32 with one group match remaining, despite missing star player Christian Pulisic due to injury.
• Coach Mauricio Pochettino deployed a two-striker lineup featuring Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi for the first time, a strategy that paid off as Balogun assisted the first goal and Pepi’s work rate disrupted Australia’s defense.
• Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the team at 21, scored his first World Cup goal with a brave header, further establishing himself as a rising star after a rapid ascent in both club and international soccer.
• The win marked the first time since 1930 that the U.S. won back-to-back World Cup matches and two group games in a single tournament, with a passionate Seattle crowd providing strong home support.
• The U.S. has clinched a spot in the knockout stage and could secure the top spot in Group D depending on the outcome of the Paraguay vs. Turkey match, which would allow strategic rest for key players ahead of the final group game.