The United States delivered a commanding 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle, leaving the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign hanging by a thread. Australia coach Tony Popovic did not mince words after the match, describing his side’s first-half display as “flat and lethargic.”
The result was a sharp reversal for a Socceroos squad that had entered the fixture full of optimism after their opening game. The VIP suites at Seattle’s Lumen Field told a story of American confidence: golfer Greg Norman, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Paris Hilton, and a constellation of celebrities turned out to watch the hosts dispatch Australia. Meanwhile, Donald Trump unveiled a new plane and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stayed home.
Adding salt to the wound, American pundit Mike Grella mocked young Australian star Nestory Irankunda after the match, declaring it was “never in doubt” as he unpacked the US win — earning himself the title of “US villain” in the Australian press.
