The largest FIFA World Cup ever staged has already witnessed one of the co-hosts, Mexico, secure their place in the Round of 32 — and now, the United States look poised to follow suit.
The Americans took the lead over Australia after yet another own goal at this summer’s tournament — a recurring theme for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
In a repeat of their opening match against Paraguay, the United States needed only 11 minutes in Seattle to go ahead in similar fashion.
Folarin Balogun broke free down the left flank and whipped in a dangerous cross that was unfortunately turned into his own net by Cameron Burgess.
The deflection means the tournament’s most unwanted scorer — “Own Goal” — is now level with the AS Monaco striker as the United States’ joint-top scorer across their first two fixtures.
Burgess’s mishap was the seventh own goal of the competition so far, recorded after just 28 and a half matches. With 75 games still to come, the tally threatens to surpass the record set at the 2018 World Cup.
As the group stage progresses, the question remains: can the United States join their neighbours from the south in the knockout rounds, or will the Socceroos mount a spirited comeback?
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