Al-Hajj Wright scores two goals as the United States comes back from a goal down to beat Australia Australia
Christian Pulisic, captain of the United States national team, was forced to leave early due to a lower leg injury, during the 2-1 win over Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium in Colorado, on Wednesday.
Striker Hajj Wright’s brace canceled out Australia left-back Jordi Bosz’s shock opener, handing Tony Popovic his first loss and depriving Australia of the chance to move up the FIFA rankings and perhaps face an easier group in next year’s tournament.
Pulisic, who returned to the starting line-up after an ankle injury ruled him out as a substitute against Ecuador over the weekend, gingerly walked off the field in the 27th minute after a series of heavy challenges from the Socceroos, who had clearly been asked to put pressure on the Milan star.
Building on their recent improved performance, the USA started the match with significant possession and territory, moving the well-drilled Australian unit around the field. However, it was the visiting team who batted first.
Rising star Bosz, who was recently named Eredivisie Player of the Year, justified his place in the starting line-up in the 19th minute after his throw-in was deflected near the US penalty area, allowing the Feyenoord defender to race through three white shirts before curling a half-volley into the far corner.
It was Australia’s only offensive spark in the first half as the United States, like Canada on Saturday, controlled most of the ball and created more convincing chances as under-pressure coach Mauricio Pochettino continues to prepare his young side for next year’s tournament.
Pulisic was the home team’s main attacker, and he almost masterminded the equalizer on the following play, running into Australia’s penalty area down the left-centre channel before his full-back was cleared.
But the captain’s influence was cut short when Australia defender Jason Geria was shown a yellow card, causing him to fall to the turf clutching his leg, forcing Pochettino to be replaced prematurely.
His replacement, Diego Luna, provided the spark the United States needed to pull one goal back minutes later. As he occupied the Australian midfielders, he passed a through ball from midfielder Cristian Roldan to striker Haji Wright, who slotted the ball into the top corner to make it 1-1.
The home side grew more confident and dominant from then on, pressing more in Australia’s final third and finding more pockets around the box. Wright and Rodan had efforts over the bar as the half came to a close, but not before tensions flared after James Sands was repeatedly tackled by some frustrated Australian players.
Nick D’Agostino, who had spent the half chasing shadows, lunged for the challenge, while Aiden O’Neill’s sliding tackle left Sands sprawling, leading to a brawl between the two teams over the center referee, who ended the half early to smooth things over.
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Australia started the second half brightly, with Boss again working his way down the left wing before passing the ball to O’Neill, who lasted long on his shot which eventually struck the white shirt. A rare Australia free-kick outside the penalty area bounced off the home side’s defensive wall, while USA goalkeeper Matt Freese was nearly penalized by D’Agostino.
But the Australian team’s momentum was halted minutes later after a quick free kick from the United States passed over the entire field and entered the path of Wright, who accurately cut the ball past the struggling Cam Burgess and shot the ball past Matt Ryan.
Popovic, who stuck to his pledge before the match to make changes to his players, made four changes after the hour mark to strengthen Australia’s attack, as he brought on Mo Torre and Nestori Irancondo instead of D’Agostino and Martin Boyle.
But it was Boss who continued to shine, moving through channels left and right, trying to force his luck. He almost went off in the 75th minute before the ball tumbled at his feet, while at the other end, Ryan made a brilliant save to deny a one-on-one Luna, who had crept past the Australian backline.
A violent aerial collision between Boss and Alex Freeman in the 80th minute, followed by a collision with Balogun, took the wind out of the game. But Irankunda needed another chance, as he made a powerful final drive to attempt an equaliser, but his rebound shot was blocked by Freeze.
The United States managed to get its first win in a long time, handing Popovic his first loss as Australia coach and denying Australia the chance to advance to an easier group at next year’s World Cup.