Socceroos stung by referee and own goal in Seattle
Socceroos fume at referee after 2–0 loss in Seattle
Your World Cup campaign hit a wall Friday night. USA 2–0 Australia in Seattle, and the Socceroos are not keeping quiet about referee Felix Zwayer. Tony Popovic's camp called the German's performance a 'stinker' and pointed to what they saw as a string of injustices (1). It is back-to-earth stuff after the opening win against Turkey.
An own goal and a Freeman strike settled it
Cameron Burgess put the ball into his own net in the 11th minute to give the co-hosts a 1–0 lead (14) (15). Alex Freeman made it 2–0 just before half-time (13) (14). The US did it without Christian Pulisic, who sat out injured, and still looked comfortable (8) (10). USA are now through to the last 32 (5) (11).
USA believe they can win it all
After the match, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was asked on Fox whether the co-hosts can win the World Cup. His answer: 'Yes.' US players backed that mindset immediately (3). Mauricio Pochettino went further, comparing the home support to Argentina's and saying his team has the belief to go all the way (16).
A bizarre delay in Seattle
The match was paused for roughly five minutes due to an unusual hold-up. Details remain unclear, but it was strange enough to make headlines on its own (17).
Fan reactions
The Burgess own goal at 11 minutes set the tone on Reddit, where fans were quick to post the clip and call it a gut punch. The Freeman goal thread had supporters tipping him as a breakout star of the tournament. The mood among Socceroos fans was resignation, pride from the Turkey result, but a clear sense that the gap to the top sides remains real.
Watch: USA 1–0 Australia, Burgess OG 11' Watch: USA 2–0 Australia, Freeman 43'
Sources
- 1. theguardian.com — Socceroos aggrieved by referee’s ‘stinker’ in World Cup defeat to USA
- 3. theguardian.com — US players agree with Zlatan Ibrahimovic that World Cup title is possible: ‘That’s our mindset’
- 5. bbc.com — USA qualify for last 32 after comfortable win over Australia
- 8. cbssports.com — USMNT down Australia and qualify for World Cup knockout stage thanks to high vibes and gritty defense
- 10. transfermarkt.co.uk — No Pulisic, no problem - US men's national team dismantles Australia to advance
- 11. informador.mx — Estados Unidos se convierte en el segundo clasificado del Mundial tras derrotar a Australia
- 13. 101greatgoals.com — World Cup 2026: USA 2-0 Australia – report, result, goals as Balogun and Freeman help co-hosts advance… and why Rooney ‘loves’ Pochettino style
- 14. marca.com — Estados Unidos demuestra quién es el verdadero 'rey' del 'soccer'
- 15. kicker.de — LIVE! Eigentor Burgess: USA führen gegen Australien
- 16. 101greatgoals.com — Pochettino believes USA can win World Cup: ‘Our fans are matching Argentina’
- 17. fourfourtwo.com — United States vs Australia held up for bizarre reason