Seattle. Christian Pulisic's absence because of injury did not hurt the Americans one bit.

The US men's national team found a way to advance to the knockout round without its star forward, beating Australia 2-0 on Friday for its second straight victory at the largest World Cup in history.

"C.P. is a fantastic player — the quality and the leadership that he gives us," said Folarin Balogun, who scored twice in the Americans' 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 12. "We didn't have him today, but I think you saw we're still capable of going out there and getting a result and putting in a performance."

Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan and has scored 33 goals in 87 international appearances, missed Friday's match because of a calf injury.

Playing without a superstar such as Pulisic could have derailed previous US teams at the World Cup. But much has changed since the Americans last hosted the tournament in 1994, when they advanced as one of the best third-place teams before losing to eventual champion Brazil in the round of 16.

At this year's 48-team tournament, the United States has won consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since 1930. The Americans have scored six goals, one shy of their record for a single World Cup, and have received contributions throughout the roster.

Alex Freeman, the youngest player on the team at 21 and the son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, gave the United States a 2-0 lead in the 43rd minute on a set piece. Freeman headed in a deflected shot by Sergiño Dest for his first World Cup goal. The score was confirmed after a video review.

"He is doing a fantastic job," coach Mauricio Pochettino said of Freeman. "The evolution is massive. He's so humble. He wants to learn. He always listens. He's a player that you really enjoy being with — not only coaching, but being with him."

The United States took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute after a run down the left flank by Balogun.

He delivered a cross toward striker Ricardo Pepi, who started in place of Pulisic. The ball never reached Pepi, instead deflecting off Australia defender Cameron Burgess and into the Socceroos' net for an own goal.

"I want to be dangerous. I want to create opportunities," Balogun said. "It might not always be myself that scores, but if I can force an error that gives us the lead, then for me it's like a goal as well. It was a special start to the game to give us momentum."

The Americans did not score after halftime, but the way they thoroughly dominated Australia in the opening 45 minutes left a lasting impression on Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.

"It did not surprise us because their quality is clear," Popovic said. "Their power is clear. Their athleticism is clear. They are not surprising in what they did."

Expectations will only increase for the United States as victories mount and momentum builds around the team. However, the strong start has not changed Pochettino's view of what his team is capable of.

"I think it's much better when you show good performances and win games," Pochettino said. "I think that makes everything easier. But, at the same time, it's important to keep believing."

Still, the United States learned it can advance from the group stage without Pulisic, and it appears to have the depth to make a deep run in the tournament.

"We know how vital Christian is to the team and how much he can contribute in a game," Freeman said. "For us, Ricardo Pepi came in and had an amazing game. I think that just shows how good our roster is."

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