SEATTLE, June 19 (Reuters) – The United States advanced to the World Cup knockout stage with a dominant performance against Australia on Friday, an early ​own goal and an Alex Freeman header giving the co-hosts a comfortable 2-0 win despite missing talisman Christian Pulisic.
Just as they had ‌in their 4-1 victory over Paraguay, the U.S. forced an own goal to open the scoring, with Cameron Burgess the unfortunate defender.

Freeman nodded in the simplest of headers just before the break, the goal initially ruled out for offside but given on review, prompting the U.S. bench to flood the pitch in celebration.

“It was surreal … obviously at first it was disallowed ​so I was kind of anxious when it went to VAR,” Freeman said. “It was so emotional for me because you dream of ​this moment.”

Australia coach Tony Popovic dropped both goalscorers, Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, from the Socceroos’ 2-0 win over Turkey ⁠and brought them on at halftime to try to turn the tide.

Australia improved but rarely looked like getting back into the match in a second ​half which became increasingly fractious and lacked quality.

“I don’t know if it was the occasion, but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged,” Popovic said. “I think the players showed ​how good they are in the second half, but obviously at this level you can’t give away that much in the first.”

The U.S. moved on to six points and into the last 32 before their last game against Turkey on Thursday in Los Angeles, when coach Mauricio Pochettino hopes to have Pulisic available.

“But if we want to win the ​competition, we need the whole team. And all the players need to be important,” he said.

The U.S. will top Group D if Turkey do not ​beat Paraguay later on Friday. Australia remain second on three points and next face Paraguay in San Francisco.

U.S. INTO LAST-32 WITH GAME TO SPARE

The U.S. started slightly nervously ‌in front ⁠of a raucous full house but quickly settled into the match, with Weston McKennie particularly influential, and took a well-earned lead in the 11th minute.

Folarin Balogun tore down the left flank and played the ball towards Ricardo Pepi, replacing Pulisic, and the covering Burgess sent the ball into his own net.