With the team’s core player Pulisic sidelined due to a calf injury, the United States defeated Australia 2-0, becoming the second team in this World Cup to advance to the Round of 32.

In the early hours of June 20 Beijing time, in a marquee match of the second round of Group D in the World Cup group stage, the host United States beat Australia 2-0. With two straight wins, they earned 6 points and secured their place in the knockout stage in advance.
After a 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay in their opening match, the United States immediately became what the public calls “the biggest dark horse” of this World Cup. Two consecutive wins not only proved their “dark horse” tag, but also led more people to confirm that this U.S. team is different from before.
As the host, they have the advantage of timing and location—along with other favorable conditions.