USA leads – The United States took a 1-0 early lead over Australia in Seattle when an Australian defender turned an attacking cross into his own goal in the 11th minute. Folarin Balogun’s run into the penalty area set up the moment, with Ricardo Pepi involved while Christ
Seattle went loud early, and it happened on a mistake.
In the 11th minute, the United States struck first in their second World Cup match-up against Australia after an Australian own goal turned a dangerous US attack into a 1-0 lead.
The sequence began with Folarin Balogun charging into the penalty area. He sent a cross toward Ricardo Pepi, who was playing while Christian Pulisic is injured. Australian defender Cameron Burgess couldn’t get out of the way, and the ball was knocked firmly into the goal.
The stadium erupted when it hit the net. The American joy wasn’t restrained either—players who weren’t in the starting XI sprinted and surged from the technical area, leaping and jumping and pumping their fists as the noise rolled around the ground.
Australia, though, didn’t look shell-shocked for long. The Socceroos started on the front foot and created an early chance after a giveaway just outside the USA box. Mohamed Touré’s shot was stopped near the right post by American goalkeeper Matt Freese.
For the United States, that quick response from Australia didn’t erase the biggest football question hanging over the match: whether Pulisic would be able to play. He is out of Friday’s matchup after suffering a calf injury in the World Cup opener against Paraguay last week.
Pulisic’s absence had already been visible in the week leading up to this one. During most of the week, he trained on his own away from teammates, nursing a left calf injury. Even with the euphoria from the US’ dominating win over Paraguay in their Group D opener—where the team led 3-0 at halftime and finished with control—his quiet substitution at halftime stood out.
The captain’s influence earlier in that opener had been clear. Pulisic orchestrated problems for Los Guaraníes’ backline in the first 45 minutes, helping set up the early breakthrough and exposing gaps again when he picked out striker Folarin Balogun for the Americans’ second goal.
On Thursday, Mauricio Pochettino said the AC Milan star was giving a “fantastic effort” to heal and had improved since last Friday but was still “evolving.” That means the US are heading into a potentially rough test with a changing lineup—and a changing dynamic.
Pochettino expects the physicality to matter. In last October’s World Cup warm-up match between the US and Australia, the game never resembled a calm friendly. Despite only two yellow cards being shown, tempers boiled over early in the first 45 minutes.
Chris Richards—then an American defender—seethed to reporters after the US’ 2-1 win, saying: “They’re lucky it was a friendly. I was ready to go,” and adding: “And if (referee Kwinsi Williams) didn’t give me a sh*t yellow in the corner, I probably would’ve killed somebody.”
What followed, and how the US responded—or failed to—left a mark on Pochettino. When Pulisic was forced to leave the match with a leg injury, Pochettino laid into the squad at halftime, delivering a talking to.
That outburst has carried forward into this team’s culture.
This week, US player Sebastian Berhalter recounted Pochettino’s halftime rant. “These guys can’t kick us around!” he said. He also described what he believes drove that intensity: “They (Australia) were putting in challenges and I think that’s one of the reasons Mauricio had that halftime rant … I think he was right.”.
Berhalter then expanded on what he says Pochettino has installed since taking over as head coach from Gregg Berhalter. the coach’s father. “One is that we’re American and we don’t take sh*t,” the midfielder said. He added that Pochettino—“even though he’s Argentinian”—has brought a mindset that shapes how the team sees itself: “So even from the outside perspective. he showed us Americans what we’re about. He really drilled that into us.”.
Those words didn’t stay inside the US camp.
When Australia defender Alessandro Circati was asked about Berhalter’s remarks on Wednesday, he initially laughed and had no response. Later, he said: “I mean, we don’t take it either. I think we’re just out there to play a game of football, to win and to do our best. And yeah, it doesn’t matter what he said.”.
Circati also framed the match as familiar in one key way—both teams play with force. “We’re a very big team, a very physical team. Even players. which maybe you look at and they’re not the biggest players. I think they’re very. very physical. People go into challenges giving 100 percent. And if anything. I wouldn’t see it as any less physical than the last game because now there’s big stakes on the line.”.
Tim Weah. who could see more playing time Friday with Pulisic nursing his calf injury. echoed the respect in a similar tone. “When you look at the Australian team. they’re a young team that has a lot of fight. a lot of grit. and a lot of hunger. just like us. ” the forward said. “We respect them in the same way that we respect any other opponent.” He added: “I think it’s going to be a lovely game.”.
Now. with the US already 1-0 up after the 11th-minute own goal. the match in Seattle carries the same undertow as last October’s clash: the game may swing on football. but it will also be policed by bodies—who leans in. who absorbs contact. and who keeps composure when the line between aggressive and reckless gets thin.
The match kicks off as the US’ Group D competition continues, with Friday’s crucial kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.
USA vs Australia World Cup own goal Folarin Balogun Ricardo Pepi Cameron Burgess Christian Pulisic injury calf injury Mauricio Pochettino Sebastian Berhalter Tim Weah Matt Freese Mohamed Touré Cameron Burgess own goal Group D