Team USA advances to World Cup knockout stage with 2-0 win over Australia

Team USA is heading to the knockout rounds of the World Cup after a dominant 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.

(CNN)- Team USA is heading to the knockout rounds of the World Cup after a dominant 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.

The Americans controlled possession throughout the match and improved to 2-0 in group play, marking the first time the U.S. has won its opening two matches since the World Cup expanded to a three-game group stage format.

The U.S. entered the match without star forward Christian Pulisic, who was sidelined with a calf injury. However, the Americans did not miss a beat.

An Australian own goal in the 11th minute gave Team USA an early lead after pressure created by the American attack.

The U.S. later doubled its advantage when defender Alex Freeman scored on a header. The goal was initially ruled offside but was awarded following a VAR review, sending the Seattle crowd into celebration.

Australia generated several opportunities in the second half, but the U.S. defense held firm to secure a clean sheet and preserve the shutout victory.

“I’m confident,” striker Folarin Balogun said. “The fans are helping us to be confident as well, not just me but the whole team.”

Freeman praised the team’s defensive effort.

“We should be very proud of how we played,” Freeman said. “To get our first clean sheet in the World Cup means so much to us.”

The atmosphere at Seattle’s stadium was electric, with Team USA improving to 7-0 all-time at the venue.

Fans leaving the match expressed growing optimism about the team’s chances in the tournament.

The United States will close out group play against Turkey on Thursday in Los Angeles.