Australia find facing the United States no Day at the Beach

 29/104ths of the World Cup

 

 

The United States and Australia were both coming off victories in their previous matches. Their showdown today introduced both to the opportunity to clinch a spot in the Round of 32, and possibly find themselves top of the group. The United States have never met at a tournament, but have played four previous friendlies. The U.S. has fared better in those matches winning two, drawing one, and losing one. Australia hoped to drive past the U.S. Of particular note was the second start for Patrick Beach, ahead of Mathew Ryan, the veteran number 1 and captain of the team. There is still no word as to why he was benched, but his young replacement was looking to show he was up for the match. Unfortunately for Patrick, teammate Cameron Burgess would deflect the ball past Beach into Australia's net in the 11th minute to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead. Alex Freeman would put the U.S. up 2-0 in the 43rd minute just before the break. Australia couldn't muster up the performance to come back, and the U.S. couldn't find any more fire power to add to their tally. As it stands, the United States sit atop the group, the Round of 32 ensured, and a possible lock as Group winners depending on the result of Turkiye and Paraguay. Australia sit with 3 points and their future in their hands, or at the least their feat.