USA down Australia to reach World Cup knockouts

LOS ANGELES (Agencies): The United States powered into the last 32 of the World Cup on Friday with a 2-0 victory over Australia as Brazil prepared to kickstart their campaign against Haiti. A day after Mexico sealed their place in the knockout rounds, the USA emulated their fellow World Cup co-hosts with a clinical Group D win over Australia in Seattle. A Cameron Burgess own goal in the 11th minute and a headed effort from Alex Freeman two minutes before half-time sealed a comfortable win for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who have advanced to the second phase of the tournament with a game to spare. After an unconvincing build-up, the Americans have made a dream start to the tournament with Friday’s victory following a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in their opening game last week. “It was a fantastic game again. We dominated against a very tough team,” Pochettino said.