Newsman: The U.S. men’s national team defeated Australia, 2-0, on Friday in its second World Cup match, clinching a place in the round of 32. In doing so, the Americans made history: The U.S. men’s soccer team defeated Australia 2-0 on Friday, in its second winning World Cup match, securing a spot in the knockout round. Never before had the program secured a knockout-stage berth after just two group-stage matches. The victory also marked the team’s first clean sheet in nine games, a streak that dated back to September.
“We’re just having a good time,” captain Tim Ream told reporters after the win. “We’re enjoying every moment together. Every goal, every block, every set play, just everything we’re doing is together. And that’s how we create the momentum.”
“We’re all going out and being ourselves and pulling together,” Ream added, “and it’s something that we’ve been trying to do for a long time — and now we’re really doing that. And it’s great to have the fans behind us and see all the reactions that are going on around the country when we play, and we want to keep that going.”
Friday’s win in Seattle comes after a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay last week that earned widespread praise and attention for the team’s performance on the pitch.
The U.S. men’s team has not won back-to-back games at a World Cup since the first tournament in 1930, according to FIFA.
The U.S. team next faces Turkey on June 25.
Mauricio Pochettino led the electric crowd in a booming “USA!” chant. Tim Ream shared heartfelt embraces with members of the coaching staff. Christian Pulisic joined fans in singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as he took a celebratory lap around the field with his teammates.
