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2-0 seemed about right. A phenomenal first-half performance from the USA put the co-hosts in control of Group D in front of a crowd of 66,925 that sounded like double that at Seattle Stadium.
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Australia invited a mountain of pressure on itself in the first half and the U.S. took full advantage.
The Socceroos showed exactly what they can be during a much improved second half display after coach Tony Popovic made several attacking changes, but the damage was already done.
Here are the player ratings out of 10.
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PATRICK BEACH – 7
Started in goal for the second World Cup game in a row. He could do little about either goal.
JACOB ITALIANO – 6.5
Italiano battled hard but his role, alongside Jordy Bos’ on the left, are the hardest in Popovic’s system. He had to deal with Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and PSV’s Ricardo Pepi. A tough day out.
ALESSANDRO CIRCATI – 8
Circati was strong in the challenge and won plenty of duels but that will get lost amidst the mountain of possession the U.S. had and the final scoreline. A desperate last ditch tackle to deny the U.S. a goal in the 52nd minute was one of the highlights of his day.
Popovic less than pleased by referee | 04:36
HARRY SOUTTAR – 7.5
Souttar, like Circati, won plenty of challenges and you can see the class, but when the pressure is as relentless as it was from the U.S. it’s hard for any centre back to shine.
CAMERON BURGESS – 6
Scored an own goal and had a tough time playing out from the back. Was substituted at half-time.
JORDY BOS – 6.5
Bos had no chance to venture forward and use his attacking prowess due to Australia’s lack of possession. For the second game in a row the side hasn’t been able to get one of its most dangerous weapons ball in the right area.
PAUL OKON-ENGSTLER – 8
If you’re looking for a positive then Paul Okon-Engstler was it. He was one of the few to be fearless and try and play forward and threw himself into challenges.
Grella basks in USA victory vs Socceroos | 00:40
AIDEN O’NEILL – 7
The way the U.S. send runners through the lines creates havoc. Aiden O’Neill had the unenviable task of dealing with the footballing symphony that is Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. team.
NISHAN VELUPILLAY – 6.5
Velupillay didn’t have the chance to do much in attack due to the fact Australia barely had the ball. He spent most of his shift trying to stop the creativity of Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest.
MO TOURE – 6.5
Toure had very little ball with which to make an impact. An early half chance was not a sign of things to come. He had to battle both of the USA’s centre backs by himself which was a huge task. Popovic substituted the Norwich forward at half time.
MATHEW LECKIE – 7
Leckie started on the right and switched to the left in the second half where he began to get a little more involved with the ball before unfortunately coming from the field just before the hour mark after calling for the trainers.
CONNOR METCALFE – 7.5
Connor Metcalfe does what it says on the box. Vision, athleticism and toughness were all on display again. He made a massive difference after coming on at half time.
JASON GERIA – 7.5
Geria came on for Cam Burgess at half time. Kept a personal clean sheet and handled the occasion well.
NESTORY IRANKUNDA – 7.5
Irankunda came on at half time for Mo Toure. He made several dangerous runs but didn’t get fed the ball.
CRISTIAN VOLPATO – 9
Volpato’s first touch released Nestory Irankunda down the right a minute after coming on. His second touch was a shot that went over. The newest Socceroo looked every bit the player Australia has been waiting for. It looked effortless as he drifted right across the front line causing chaos.
JACKSON IRVINE – 7
Irvine came on with just over 10 minutes to play. Won his duels and provided food for thought for the final group stage game against Paraguay.
