U.S. Advances to Knockout Round in World Cup

The U.S. men’s soccer team clinched a spot in the knockout round in the World Cup after beating Australia 2-0 and after Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0. The U.S. (2-0) still has one match left in group play against Turkey (0-2) on June 25th, but will advance to the knockout round for a match on July 1st against an opponent to be determined. The U.S. has beaten both Australia and Paraguay (each 1-1), who will also play each other on June 25th. It’s the first time the U.S. team has won consecutive games at the World Cup since 1930.

Cameron Burgess and Alex Freeman scored the goals for the U.S. in the win over Australia. At 21, Freeman is the youngest player on the U.S. team. He is also the son former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, who played for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. Antonio Freeman was on the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI winning team; he caught three passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in that game. Alex Freeman’s regular soccer gig is with Villarreal of Spain’s La Liga League.

Highlights of the U.S. Australia game: