US beat Australia 2-0, reach World Cup knockouts after 2 wins
What's new: Alex Freeman's VAR-awarded goal sealed the win as players embraced talk that the hosts can contend for the title.
The United States clinched a place in the World Cup knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Australia on Friday, giving the hosts two wins from two matches. Defender Alex Freeman, 21, scored the second goal on the right side of a three-man backline after a lengthy VAR review overturned an offside call. After the match, US players backed the idea that a title run is possible after Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Fox that the co-hosts can win the tournament. Chris Richards said the squad wants to lift the trophy, while Auston Trusty called that belief the team's mindset. Coach Mauricio Pochettino also praised Freeman's rise, saying the Villarreal defender has the potential to become one of the best in his position.