The United States beat Australia 2-0 in Seattle on Friday to qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds with a game to spare. Christian Pulisic was absent with a knock, but the team barely noticed. An own goal from Australian defender Cameron Burgess opened the scoring in the 11th minute.

Alex Freeman doubled the lead just before halftime. The 21-year-old forward scored his first career World Cup goal, a composed finish that put the match beyond doubt. Australia pressed after the break but could not find a way through a solid American back line.

The US now has six points from two matches, topping Group B. Their opening 4-1 win over Paraguay set the tone, and this result confirmed the knockout spot with one fixture still to play. They can seal first place in the group if Paraguay beats or draws with Türkiye.

Freeman’s emergence has been a quiet subplot of the tournament so far. Pulisic is expected to return for the third group game, which gives manager Mauricio Pochettino a selection headache worth having. Two reliable goal scorers fighting for the same starting spot heading into the Round of 32.

Australia must win their final match to stay in contention. For the US, the focus now shifts to who they might face in the knockout rounds. Hosts playing well on home soil tend to go deep. This team looks capable of doing exactly that.