Heartbreak for Australia after 2-0 loss to USA, despite better second half — as it happened

Tony Popovic has just spoken after the loss.

"We looked sluggish, heavy-legged," he said to SBS.

"They won every second ball, and when you do that, it's very difficult to get any gain any momentum.

"We conceded two soft goals, but I thought the reaction in the second half was outstanding.

"We did very well in the second half, we were very aggressive, we won all the duels."

Asked about the refereeing and the second USA that was given after a VAR check he said: "I'm not sure on that one."

"Unfortunately that didn't go our way.

"Today wasn't the best day for the referee.

"We felt frustrated today with the referees."

— Miles Proust

Australia finished the game with 30 per cent possession to the USA's 61 per cent (with nine per cent contested).

The USA had nine attempts at goal to Australia's two.

— Miles Proust

While it's not the result Australia was after, Harry Kewell says there were positives to take away from the second half.

"It was just disappointing that we didn't have this energy in the first half," he said.

"You need to play constantly at 100 per cent, you need to go for it.

"You have to go and attack, and I thought when we did that, it we looked dangerous."

— Miles Proust

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic opted for some surprising selections and no doubt the most scrutinised will be keeping young star forward Nestory Irankunda on the bench in the first half.

He was able to break through and set up a ball on a plate for fellow sub Christian Volpato, who unfortunately skied it.

Former Socceroo and broadcasting legend Craig Foster told SBS the decision not to start Irankunda had a high cost.

Irankunda starred against Curacao earlier in the year. Source: AAP / Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

"I'm not sure why, Popa kept, Irankunda on the bench, given that he was so brilliant in the first game. And the importance of the game against Turkiye was we went one-nil up instead of one-nil down.

"That's critical when you have a defensive style of play. So, you know, I think that decision has probably cost him. He's come on now in the second half to try and chase the game again. That's the most difficult position to be in."

— Haylena Krishnamoorthy

USA's Alex Freeman applauds fans after the team's 2-0 victory against Australia. Source: Getty / Jared C. Tilton - FIFA

The final whistle is blown, and the USA win 2-0 after a clinical display, despite a much better second half by the Socceroos.

— Miles Proust

Another head clash after Irankunda and Scally go for the ball in the air.

A foul is given against Australia.

Six minutes of added time.

— Miles Proust

Richards is given a yellow after a block on Irankunda sends him to the ground.

Meanwhile the referee has gone down, with what looks like a cramp!

He's helped out by players and other referees who help stretch his leg, and he's given pickle juice.

— Miles Proust

The USA are struggling to hold possession, with Italiano crossing to Souttar, who is beaten by Richards.

Circati takes a shot but it goes over.

— Miles Proust

Irankunda goes down in the box but no penalty.

A corner for Australia goes over everyone, but it's knocked back in.

Souttar has a sitter but misses the ball completely.

It lands at Geria's feet, and Geria takes a shot, but it's blocked by the USA.

Desperate defending from the USA there.

— Miles Proust

With 10 minutes of regular time left, Australia are running out of time.

The USA have made a sub with Robinson and Sergiño Dest off, and Auston Trusty and Joe Scally on.

— Miles Proust

Volpato has been looking dangerous since coming on, making a run against the USA defence in the goal area.

He makes the cross but it's blocked and cleared.

Australia has made another sub with Jackson Irvine coming on for Okon-Engstler.

— Miles Proust

Australia are looking much better in the second half, pressing the USA's defence.

Irankunda shoves Ream and a foul is given.

Meanwhile, the USA have Ricardo Pepi for Sebastian Berhalter.

— Miles Proust

The second half drinks break is called, but not before Irankunda goes down after a shove from Chris Richards.

— Miles Proust

Another good passage of play for Australia, with Volpato pressing the USA defence.

A poor clearance sees the ball land at Australia's feet, with a pass to Metcalfe making a shot on goal that is saved.

— Miles Proust

Australia has just had its best chance, with a quick counter from Irankunda!

Irankunda breaks free down the right flank after a nice through ball.

He cuts across, but the USA is able to get players behind the ball.

Irankunda passes to Volpato, who has an open shot, but it goes over.

A missed chance but Australia is looking much better in the second half.

— Miles Proust

Mat Leckie is down with what looks like a hamstring injury.

He comes off for Cristian Volpato, now playing his first minutes in this World Cup.

— Miles Proust

The Socceroos might be down by two but it's not over for the green and gold.

Nestory Irankunda — who scored against Türkiye — has come on for the second half and is already making serious challenges for a goal.

They still have nearly half an hour to turn this around.

Nestory Irankunda takes the field for the game's second half. Source: Getty / Alex Grimm

— Samantha Jonscher

Robinson has been shown a yellow card after Italino is collected while they both go for the ball.

— Miles Proust

A nice passage of play from Australia has resulted in a quick counterattack from the USA after they cough up possession.

After a nice through ball, Balogan breaks free and for a free run towards goal.

Circati comes from nowhere to intercept for a block, resulting in a corner.

Australia was lucky there.

— Miles Proust

Free kick for the USA after Circati clips a USA player during a challenge.

He needs to be careful here; he's already received a yellow card.

A second booking and he will be sent off, leaving Australia with just ten players.

— Miles Proust