World Cup: U.S. dominates in first two matches, advances to knockout round

SEATTLE — For decades, the United States was the minnow. Arguably the most powerful sporting country in the world was — not always, but often — feckless and passive on the soccer pitch. Rather than taking the game to others, the U.S. accepted its place. We could be great at everything else, but soccer was still where the world dominated us. But the first two matches of this FIFA Men's World Cup have felt and looked different, and with it have come results that have never been seen from the Americans. Dominant. Swarming. Aggressive. Impressive. The latest came Friday when the stadium formerly known as Lumen Field took the global spotlight. A sun-splashed afternoon became another American soccer celebration after the U.S. toppled Australia, 2-0. The win clinched the U.S. a spot in the knockout rounds of the tournament and for the first time after just two matches. The future for the U.S. in the World Cup has always gone down to the third game. Not this time around. The U.S. could clinch Group D as soon as Friday night should Paraguay either draw or beat Turkey. A victory by Turkey would mean the group winner is not decided until next Thursday. For the second straight match, the U.S. was on the attack from the outset and was rewarded with an early goal. Folarin Balogun's cross intended for Ricardo Pepi instead found the foot of Australian defender Cameron Burgess for an own goal in the 11th minute. With it, the U.S. became the first team in World Cup history to benefit from an own goal in consecutive matches. Home cooking? Sure. But it also speaks to the pressure the U.S. has put upon Paraguay and now Australia. The lead grew to 2-0 just before halftime when Alex Freeman headed home a deflected shot off the foot of Sergiño Dest at the top of the penalty area. The goal was originally ruled out for offside, but video review showed Freeman onside when Dest took his shot. The American reserves rushed off the bench to celebrate with Freeman in the corner of the north end of the stadium, looking just like a bunch of Seahawks rushing off the sideline to celebrate a touchdown during last season's Super Bowl run. The second half was a goalless, but workmanlike effort for the U.S. They were tested in moments by the Australia but never broke. The U.S. has won at the World Cup before. But not like this. Not with this level of control and dominance. The Americans are capturing attention beyond what was expected to come from the tournament and are continuing to ask the question of just how far they could go. Maybe the U.S. getting to the round of 16 and another trip thru Seattle isn't far-fetched. That should be the expectation at this point. The Americans have never scored more than seven goals in any World Cup appearance but have already scored six in two matches. They controlled possession for a second straight game, doubled the Australians in attempts at goal and kept goalkeeper Matt Freese from being tested. The result was befitting the day that was a celebration of all things about the sport in this soccer city. U.S. national team jerseys of all types — men's, women's, official and knockoff — filled the streets before the first coffees could be ordered or the first pints were tapped. Australian fans decked out in the green and gold joined in the party with inflatable kangaroos and koala costumes along for the ride. The city was alive and ready for the day. And they were rewarded with the performance by the home team and perhaps the chance to see the U.S. back here in a few weeks in a match with far more at stake.