With Christian Pulisic sidelined due to a calf injury, head coach Mauricio Pochettino faced a significant decision ahead of Friday’s match against Australia. The absence of Pulisic, a pivotal figure for the United States, meant there was no direct replacement for his unique skill set.
Australia approached the game with determination, eager to capitalize on their opening win against Turkey and make a strong statement against the co-hosts. Mirroring their strategy from a previous friendly, the Socceroos deployed a low defensive block, featuring five defenders and a tightly organized zonal marking system. This defensive setup can effectively counter a single-striker formation, a common approach for the US throughout recent history.
When the match lineups were released, the US made only one adjustment from their dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay: Pulisic was absent, and Ricardo Pepi stepped in to join Folarin Balogun in a two-striker setup. This tactical shift appeared to be a bold move, yet it quickly proved successful as the US established a commanding 2-0 lead by halftime, which they maintained until the end.
“I feel like it opens up some spaces, of course, but you know it’s always good to be able to have two strikers,” Pepi stated following his first start in a World Cup. “If the defenders are marking me, then the other [striker] is always free. So it’s a good thing that we were able to play like this, and it just shows what the team has.”
The team’s chemistry, cultivated over years of playing together at various levels, shone through. Enhanced by recent training sessions, the US displayed improved movement that left their opponents’ defensive structure in doubt.
The first genuine threat posed by the US resulted in a goal, marking the second consecutive match where they had capitalized on an opponent’s early own goal.
In the 11th minute, following several attempts to penetrate Australia’s defense, Antonee Robinson received a pass from Tim Ream, continuing a familiar pattern from their past collaborations. In formations where Pulisic participates, Robinson typically seeks to connect with his midfielders. However, the two-striker strategy necessitated a more direct approach, enhancing the effectiveness of their offensive plays.
Robinson tested Australia’s defense with a ball down the line, drawing wing-back Jacob Italiano upfield, thereby creating space. Balogun seized the moment, making a well-timed run to exploit the gap.
In a similar scenario during a recent friendly against Senegal, Sergiño Dest provided a crossing opportunity for Pulisic after Pepi dropped back to aid in the build-up. On this occasion, with the Australian center-backs firmly positioned in their defensive zone, the US found themselves with a numerical advantage as midfielders and wing-backs rushed to offer support.
“I mean, credit to [Balogun],” Robinson reflected post-match. “I could see that he was looking to run the space in behind, so I just kind of played it down the channel for him, and then he’s done a lot of work to get towards the goal and create a chance.”
Although Balogun has not predominantly played as a winger, he confidently exploited the available space, staying ahead of defender Alessandro Circati.
Pepi continued to fulfill his center-forward role effectively, pushing up the center of the pitch. Although Balogun had previously scored twice against Paraguay, Australia could not afford to overlook Pepi, who netted 16 goals in 26 league matches for PSV last season. As Balogun maneuvered past Circati, he found himself with limited options but was well-supported by teammates in the box.
Cameron Burgess managed to position himself between Balogun and his teammates but, under pressure, inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, capitalizing on Balogun’s efforts.
The tactical gamble had swiftly yielded results. From the outset, Australia’s defenders struggled to contain the US attack, with their center-backs preoccupied and unable to effectively cover Balogun.
“I want to create opportunities, and 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.” Balogun commented after the victory. “Whether it’s coming to feet, running off the ball, we’re all trying to create options for each other,”
Pepi’s presence also proved crucial during the second goal. As Robinson set up for a free-kick at the end of the first half, Australia was forced to defend against three US center-backs and two strikers, including Pepi—prime targets for set-pieces. Dest lingered at the edge of the area, drawing defenders as he received Robinson’s free-kick. This disarray left Alex Freeman unmarked when Dest’s shot deflected toward him.
The second half unfolded more comfortably for the US, as Australia aimed to be defensively solid in hopes of capitalizing on counter-attacks, similar to their strategy against Turkey. Despite making three substitutions at halftime, the Socceroos struggled to enhance their offensive threat. Pepi continued to perform his role effectively, drawing defenders and finding space, demonstrating his value as a viable alternative to Pulisic, despite differing responsibilities.
For Pepi, who missed out on the previous World Cup roster, this first start was a significant moment that could lead to increased playing time in future matches. Regardless of who takes the field, the squad exudes confidence in their ability to adapt and maintain momentum.
“It feels fluid. Everyone feels like they’re linking up really well, and hopefully we keep going with it.” Robinson noted. “It feels fluid. Everyone feels like they’re linking up really well, and hopefully we keep going with it.”
