BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

The Netherlands will put one of the FIFA World Cup’s most impressive group-stage records on the line when they face Sweden in a heavyweight European showdown.

The Dutch have lost just two of their 34 group-stage matches in World Cup history, a remarkable statistic that reflects decades of consistency on football’s grandest stage.

Yet Sweden arrive determined to write a chapter of their own.

The Scandinavians are aiming to begin a World Cup campaign with consecutive victories for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 1958, when they famously reached the final before losing to Brazil.

That ambition sets the stage for a fascinating encounter between two nations with proud World Cup traditions.

The Netherlands have long been admired for their attacking philosophy and tactical innovation, while Sweden have built a reputation for organisation, discipline and resilience.

With both teams expected to be among the leading contenders for qualification from the group, the outcome could have significant implications for the final standings.

A Dutch victory would reinforce their status as one of the tournament’s most reliable performers. A Swedish success, meanwhile, would represent another important milestone in a campaign that is already showing considerable promise.

The clash is likely to be one of the standout fixtures of the second round of group-stage matches.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.

The United States became one of the first teams to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after a commanding 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday, overcoming the absence of captain Christian Pulisic to book their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare.

An early own goal by Australian defender Cameron Burgess and a first World Cup goal from Alex Freeman ensured the co-hosts maintained their perfect start to the tournament, following up their 4-1 victory over Paraguay with another convincing display.

The result lifted Mauricio Pochettino’s side to six points at the top of Group D and guaranteed their progression ahead of their final group match against Türkiye in Los Angeles next Thursday.

Despite the electric atmosphere generated by a packed stadium, the Americans took a few minutes to settle before asserting control of the contest.

Their breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Folarin Balogun burst down the left flank and delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area. As Ricardo Pepi moved in to attack the cross, Burgess inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure, handing the hosts an early advantage.

The goal mirrored the Americans’ opening strike in their win over Paraguay, where they also benefited from an opposition own goal.

With Weston McKennie dictating play in midfield, the United States dominated possession and territory, pinning Australia deep inside their own half for long periods of the first half.

The Socceroos struggled to mount meaningful attacks, with their best opportunity before the break coming when Alex Freeman tracked back to block a dangerous cross from veteran winger Mathew Leckie.

The Americans doubled their lead two minutes before halftime through Freeman, whose goal survived a lengthy VAR review.

A free-kick routine ended with Sergino Dest’s effort being blocked and looping into the air inside the penalty area. With goalkeeper Patrick Beach stranded on the ground, Freeman rose unchallenged to head into the empty net.

Although the assistant referee initially raised his flag for offside, video review overturned the decision, sparking wild celebrations among the U.S. players and coaching staff.

“It was surreal,” Freeman said afterwards.

“Obviously, at first it was disallowed, so I was kind of anxious when it went to VAR. It was so emotional for me because you dream of this moment.”

Australia coach Tony Popovic attempted to change the course of the game at halftime by introducing goalscorers Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, both of whom had started on the bench after helping the Socceroos beat Türkiye 2-0 in their opening match.

The changes improved Australia’s energy and urgency, but they rarely threatened to overturn the deficit as the match became increasingly physical and fragmented.

“I don’t know if it was the occasion, but we looked sluggish, heavy-legged,” Popovic admitted.

“I think the players showed how good they are in the second half, but obviously at this level you can’t give away that much in the first.”

The United States were content to manage the game after the interval, conserving energy while maintaining defensive discipline.

Australia’s best chance came five minutes from the end when Harry Souttar found himself with a golden opportunity in front of goal, only to fail to convert and set up a potentially tense finish.

“We had opportunities to score, we had chances,” Souttar said.

“I could say a lot of things I don’t want to say just because it’s so raw.”

The victory was particularly encouraging for the Americans given the absence of Pulisic, who missed the match but is expected to return before the final group fixture.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised the depth within his squad, insisting the team’s success could not depend on a single player.

“If we want to win the competition, we need the whole team,” Pochettino said. “And all the players need to be important.”

Freeman echoed that sentiment after his match-winning contribution.

“It says that we have a really strong roster, and it says that whichever players we’re going to put on the field, we’re going to execute and be 100% and get a result,” he said.

“Christian is such a vital part of this team, but if he’s not available, someone else is going to have to step in.”

The United States will finish top of Group D if Türkiye fail to defeat Paraguay later on Friday, while Australia remain second on three points ahead of their decisive final group encounter against Paraguay in San Francisco.

For now, however, the hosts can celebrate becoming one of the first nations to advance to the knockout rounds, keeping alive hopes of a deep run on home soil.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Türkiye and Paraguay meet in a fascinating World Cup Group stage showdown, with both sides seeking to overcome historical trends.

Paraguay enter the match looking to improve a disappointing record against European opponents at the World Cup. The South Americans have managed only two victories in their last 14 World Cup encounters against teams from Europe, alongside five draws and seven defeats.

Türkiye, meanwhile, face South American opposition in the World Cup for the first time since their memorable campaign in 2002. On that occasion, they suffered two defeats to eventual champions Brazil, including one in the semi-finals.

The Turkish side will be hoping for a more favourable outcome this time as they continue their bid for a place in the knockout rounds.

Paraguay’s challenge will be to overcome a long-standing difficulty against European teams and secure a result that could prove decisive in the race for qualification.

With contrasting football traditions and styles set to collide, the match promises to be one of the more intriguing contests of the group phase.

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