he Socceroos were left to bemoan a sluggish start as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against a fired-up United States in their crucial World Cup group stage game in Seattle.
Cameron Burgess put the ball into his own net and Alexander Freeman headed a second as the hosts dominated the first half.
Tony Popovic made three changes at half time, belatedly bringing on Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe to turn the game in Australia’s favour.
However, despite creating numerous chances in a vastly improved second period, the Socceroos were never able to seriously challenge Matt Freese in the US goal.
“I don’t know if it was the occasion but we looked sluggish and heavy-legged,” Popovic said after the match.
“They were quicker and more powerful. They won every duel and every second ball. When they do that it makes it difficult to gain any momentum.”
That was certainly the case.
After Mohamed Touré had a shot just after 40 seconds that was comfortably saved by Freese, it was one-way traffic the other way as the Socceroos defence was pulled this way and that by a free-flowing and exceptionally talented American side.
Despite Christian Pulisic losing his race to be fit after suffering a calf injury, the Americans were rampant going forward and got their reward in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun raced down the left, firing in a low cross that Burgess poked into his own net with Ricardo Pepi providing pressure.
The USA continued to display a remarkable array of skill and movement to toy with the Socceroos defence, and were rewarded with a second just before half time.
Sergiño Dest was given an unreasonably amount of space on the edge of the penalty area to deliver a fierce shot that was blocked.
However, the Socceroos were slow to react as the ball looped into the air, with Freeman nodding the ball past Pat Beach into the net.
The offside flag was raised initially, but it was overturned soon after. Balogun, who did chase the looping ball in alongside Freeman, was the offside player and the officials ruled that he did not play a role in the subsequent play.
Popovic was not best pleased, saying after the game he “wasn’t sure” about the call.
However, upon further viewing it was clear that Balogun was not interfering with Beach or any Socceroos defenders, who were statuesquely looking at the looping ball instead of chasing back.
Things had to change after the break and, thanks to a trio of substitutions, they did.
The Socceroos finally looked to gain some control on the game and, after Cristian Volpato was introduced with half an hour left, were able to test the US defence.
Volpato was electric down the right, and saw a shot blasted over the bar, while Connor Metcalfe fired a shot straight at Freese.
Aside from that, there were few clear-cut chances in the remaining contest, as the US spoiled and the Socceroos’ frustration mounted.
The Socceroos are still in with a great chance of progressing to the World Cup round of 32, with one match remaining against Paraguay to come in San Francisco on Friday, June 26 at 12:00pm (AEST)