Group stage · Group D · #29
United States v Australia
Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
The goals, minute by minute
- 11'Cameron BurgessOwn goal · 1-0
- 43'Alex FreemanGoal · 2-0
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
USA (host) vs Australia (27th FIFA)
Level of the teams
- USA: host and best-ranked in the group, coached by Pochettino, with attacking talent (Pulisic, Balogun, Reyna).
- Australia: physical, intense and disciplined, but with less attacking pedigree.
Key factors
- USA plays at home in Seattle with massive support.
- USA superior in talent and thrust; Australia in order and physicality.
- A very open group: a win sets up top spot.
Prediction
Most likely result: 2-1 USA (alternative: 1-0 USA)
- USA win: 55%
- Draw: 25%
- Australia win: 20%
Player to watch: Christian Pulisic, the USA's attacking beacon.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium-high
USA is the favorite on home advantage and talent, but Australia is hard to beat. A narrow American win is the most likely scenario.