Sam’s Army Report 2: United States Against Australia, With a Birth in the Elimination at Stake

Sam’s Army was concerned going into this game because striker Christian Pulisic was injured and out of the lineup for the game. In fact, he was in street clothes. However, it looked good early for the United States, and they went on to win 2-1. They scored less than eleven minutes into the game.

This game, however, was pretty favorable for Sam’s Army. In their first game, Australia possessed the ball only 29% of the time yet won 2-0. In this game, the bend-but-don’t-break style of the Socceroo’s led to several chances right away for the United States. With a win in this game, either team will clinch first place in Group D. Did you think the Group would be clinched so fast? The United States held on for the clean sheet win.

United States Against Australia Game Summary: Joy for Sam’s Army

The United States scored at 10:38 of the first half when Flo Balogun, the hero of the first game, drove in close to the goal, and an Australian player, Cameron Bugess, kicked the ball into his own net. He was trying to defend, but the United States led 1-0 and was off to another fast start. Sam’s Army was happy. This is the second game in which the United States benefited from an own goal from the opposition.

Alex Freeman of the United States headed a ball in the 45th minute of the first half to give the US a 2-0 lead. Freeman is the son of the former Green Bay Packer wide receiver Antonio Freeman. That was his third goal. He is 21 years old and plays professionally in Spain

Crazy Fans

This game took place in Seattle, home of the twelfth man in the National Football League, and home to a Major League Soccer club. Needless to say, there was a packed house. The fans were absolutely nuts before the game. They were yelling and screaming. There was a group of shirtless males with eagle headdresses and feathers on their arms.

The raucous home crowd was a large advantage for the United States. Someone in the crowd continuously beat a drum. That created a rhythm to the game; there was no doubt that the players for the United States were inspired by the noisy crowd. It is likely the case that the United States will get a boost from playing at home, but it is fair to wonder if the United States will be able to hang with the heavyweight powers of soccer. However, who knows, when they have the insane Sam’s Army on their side?

This 2-0 lead set up a second half where the United States could either continue to attack, or back the bus in front of the goal and play as the Australians did in the first half, conceding possession and seeking to only concede shots from the outside. That did not really work in the first half as the United States built a 2-0 lead. The six goals by the United States so far tie their World Cup record for productivity.

Australia made three substitutions to start the second half. They also adjusted their alignment to attack with another player. However, that left the Socceroos vulnerable to a counterattack. That happened a couple of times before the break in the second half. Several times, the television commentators said a 2-0 lead was the most dangerous in the sport. If Australia were to score, they would cut the American lead to one goal. They would also have the advantage. There was some concern on the part of Sam’s Army.

Conclusion

With the United States winning this game and making Sam’s Army very happy in the process, it is fair to think of American elimination round scenarios. The United States advances to the elimination round with the victory in this game. If the United States wins this game, and the U.S. can clinch first place if they win vs Australia and either Turkey and Paraguay tie, or Paraguay beats Turkey.