USA
AustraliaThe match was settled in the first half by two goals — one a forced own-goal created by Balogun's intelligent movement, the other a deflected effort confirmed on review — and the USA spent the second half managing the game rather than extending it. Playing without Pulisic redistributed the creative load across Dest, McKennie, and the wide options, and the Americans handled that transition without visible disruption. Australia had moments but could not manufacture the consistent clear chances their opener suggested they were capable of, and the US backline held firm throughout.
USA
The United States were efficient, disciplined, and ultimately comfortable without their most important player. Christian Pulisic's calf injury kept him to the bench, but Pochettino's side found a way through almost immediately — Balogun's run and movement forced Cameron Burgess into his own net in the 11th minute, and Sergiño Dest's deflected shot was turned home by Alex Freeman just before half-time after a lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal. The home crowd at Lumen Field in Seattle roared them through a composed second half, and the USA's defensive resolve under Australia's late pressure completed a professional and consequential victory.
Australia
Australia showed flashes of what made them so dangerous against Turkey — Irankunda's burst up the right was snuffed out by Chris Richards, Souttar commanded aerially as the defensive anchor throughout, and Popovic's 3-4-2-1 maintained its shape. But without the clinical edge and clean sheet that defined their opener, the Socceroos could not manufacture a way back into the match. They competed with organization and spirit, yet the first-half goals proved insurmountable against a USA side that defended with physicality and composure.