USA host Australia in the second round of games in World Cup Group D in Seattle, with both sides knowing a win would all but secure a place in the last 32.
The co-hosts come into the game off the back of a statement win over Paraguay in their opener, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be without talisman Christian Pulisic due to injury. The winger picked up a calf injury during the 4-1 win, and has been unable to recover in time.
“I hope as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team,” said Pochettino, who confirmed Pulisic trained this morning. “Now, we need to be focused on our team and the players that are going to play.”
Meanwhile, Australia put in a statement performance of their own in an opening win over Turkey, with goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe putting the Socceroos on the verge of the knockout rounds this summer.
Follow all the action from Seattle below, with kick-off set for 12pm local time (8pm BST):
Can USA continue early World Cup excitement?
Folarin Balogun, a man whose American citizenship came by fluke, was at the heart of an outright domination of the South American side, his brace making up half of the US’ tally in a 4-1 win.
Whether they can keep up this intensity against tougher opposition is yet to be seen – but after one very impressive game, non-football-watching Americans will actually be convincing themselves that the US can win the World Cup.
Fulham’s interest in USA striker warranted
Fulham have been heavily linked with a move for one of the United States’ forward starters tonight: Ricardo Pepi.
The PSV striker was on the verge of a move to the Cottagers in January before it fell through, but interest remains there from the London club.
Former Liverpool and Chelsea man Bolo Zenden, who broke out at PSV, can’t blame Fulham for being keen.
“I think Ricardo Pepi is a great striker,” he told Boyle Sports. “He’s been unlucky, where he was back fit and scoring goals, and then even while scoring a goal, he fell on his arm and broke his arm. It’s crazy, but he’s back now and he’s scoring again.
“He’s definitely a player that can do well for the US in the summer. There will be some expectations on him as well. But he has, the way we say it, he has a nose for the goal.
“He’s always in the right position, scoring quite easy, and a good header in there. It’s an interesting player. I know why Fulham, I understand why Fulham wants to sign him.”
Nestory Irankunda: Who is Australia’s breakout World Cup star?
Born in a refugee camp in a Tanzania, Nestory Irankunda has taken an unlikely journey to starring for Australia at the World Cup. He moved to Australia as a child but caught the eye of the football world when he moved to Bayern Munich from Adelaide United.
After leaving the German giants due to a lack of game-time, he ended up at Watford in the Championship. After scoring on his World Cup debut against Turkey, he emulated his idol Tim Cahill by boxing the corner flag.
Who could be knockouts-bound?
After Mexico did the business last night (or this morning, depending on where you’re reading from), the United States could become the second host nation to book their place in the World Cup knockouts before anyone else with a win tonight.
The US will be full of confidence after their opening romp over Paraguay, but Australia have already shone as the underdogs… and the stakes are the same for the Socceroos. Could an upset be in the making in Seattle?
Meet Folarin Balogun, the accidental American leading USA’s World Cup charge
Balogun was born in New York when his parents were on holiday from London but the USA embracing the striker as its new star is a delicious irony to Donald Trump’s stance on immigration
USA v Australia team news: No Pulisic, Socceroos bench both scorers!
The enforced absence of Christian Pulisic means Mauricio Pochettino makes just one change from the opening 4-1 win over Paraguay, with Ricardo Pepi starting on the left wing.
Australia make two changes, removing both of their scorers from the 2-0 win over Turkey! Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe are replaced by Nishan Velupillay and Mathew Leckie. That’s a bold choice.
USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Tillman; Dest, McKennie, Pepi; Balogun.
Australia XI: Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, Leckie, Toure; Velupillay.
Mauricio Pochettino confirms Christian Pulisic’s absence vs Australia
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that Pulisic is unavailable during an interview with Fox Sports, but sounded optimistic that he’ll be back soon…
“The evolution is [going] really well. Today he was training in the morning in the camp and I’ve seen the feelings are good.
“I hope as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team. Now, we need to be focused on our team and the players that are going to play.
“We have ahead a very important game and Australia is going to be really tough. [But] a little bit sad because he wanted to stay, he wanted to participate today.”
Christian Pulisic ruled out of USA v Australia
Christian Pulisic is out of the USA’s World Cup clash with Australia due to the calf injury picked up during the win against Paraguay.
That’s a huge blow for the co-hosts, given how well Pulisic played in their opening 4-1 win. Ricardo Pepi starts in his place.
Full team news to come
